That reminds me of a story.
After that last one, I thought you might all enjoy a short follow up.
After Al, Chuck, Leo, returned to their other lives back in the world, they kept getting requests from various Agencies and Bureaus for more mine closure data, mostly focusing upon lines of documentation. The various Bureaus desired monographs, road guides, technical reports, and most importantly, detailed step-by-step “How To” manuals.
My guys, now my fully credentialed doctored colleagues, were predictably reticent to write up “How To” manuals for something that was obviously not of their authorship nor inception.
“Fuckin’-A, Rock,” Leo tells me in a phone call, “They want me to fuckin’ basically claim-jump you writing up mine closing procedures. What’s with these goatfuckers? They figured they paid you enough and are now trying to run a goddamned end around? Collective shitheels. No fucking way I’d even think of crossing, even accidently, the Motherfuckin’ Pro from Dover.”
I replied that I had no idea, as after the initial contacts after the field season, I had heard precisely dick from any of the bureaus. Which is fine, as I’m busier than a one-armed paperhanger in a windstorm getting ready to shift the family some 12,700 kilometers east.
I thanked Leo for the intel and told him not to worry, it’s just bureaucracy misfiring at its finest.
“Fuckin’-A, Bubba,” replies Leo as he hangs up.
It suddenly goes all dusty in my office. “I’ve trained that boy well,” I sniff and chuckle heartily.
A short while later, Al wrote me that he’s been contacted by the Bureau/Agency and they are desirous that he lead a field trip with a gaggle of professors from various universities. They are also not all geologists, but Environmental Scientists, Hydrologists, something called an “Environmental Engineer,” and other forms of societal detritus.
He tells me that they wanted him to lead a group of these characters out into the desert for a couple of weeks and show them the mine closure procedures which he developed.
He was most adamant in assuring me that they contacted him, and that the terminology was also theirs. He was already otherwise engaged, so he naturally had to decline. However, he made it abundantly clear that he would never even entertain such a notion like the one they had posited.
I wrote him back, as he was down in Patagonia doing something more or less interesting and/or exciting, thanking him for the information and wishing him well on his expedition. Since he was in the field, I also included a couple of the recipes we enjoyed back in the Nevada desert.
He later tells me that the Gauchos he was working with down there have never heard of Pineapple Upside Down Cake and they absolutely were delighted by it. Come to find out, they also like potato juice and citrus drinks as well.
“Good ol’ Dr. Good-deed. Aide to all men.” I pondered.
I talked with Esme about all this and she was of the opinion that either they knew I was headed east or they wanted me to have some time off. I had been doing a lot of ad hoc work for both Agencies and Bureaus over the last few years.
“Of course,” I replied, “Never ascribe to malice what can best be defined by governmental bureaucracy and officiousness.”
So, time puttered on.
We were holding weekly ‘GROJ (Get Rid Of Junk) sales’ on our weekends. Since everything electrical we possessed was 120 VAC, and the rest of the world, it seems, is 220 VAC, I had to part with all my antiquated electronics. My Fisher Studio-Standard stereo system, Akai reel-to-reel 16-track tape machines, EMI TG12345 MK IV recording console, and Harmon-Kardon turntables and amplifiers.
It was painful. However, I rationalized, if I were to stick them in storage for a decade or two, I’d have re-paid for them via rental fees a couple or three times over. Plus, and all that sitting unused in a storage locker certainly wouldn’t be good for these vintage electronical gizmos.
Still, it was a painful time to pack them into the back of someone else’s vehicle.
I had to take all my firearms to my Brother-in-Law for safekeeping. Since he’s in Kentucky, he was both happy to accept and vowed to give them regular workouts. Even though he’s some form or another of mechanical engineer, I guess I could trust him.
One day, the home phone rings. It’s Chuck and he’s livid.
“Rock!” he hollers, “You know what those chapped bastards at the Bureau want from me? They want me to step in on your turf, and take a clan of idiot pseudo-geologists out in the field for a couple of weeks and train them in mine closing. Can you fucking believe that?”
“Chuck,,” I say, “Whoa. Cool down. Leo and Al report the same, so it just looks like you were next on the list. So, going to take them up on their offer?”
“Don’t make me laugh, Doc!” Chuck asks, “First: I’m busy. Second: I wouldn’t have the foggiest idea how to handle logistics, camping, explosives, and all that other bureaucratic horseshit you somehow put up with. Third: I really don’t want a midnight visit from you and your bag of tricks because I’ve pissed you off by taking credit for what’s rightfully yours.”
“What is the fucking deal?” I ask Chuck, “I’m not like that at all. Everyone thinks I’m going go out and frag them because the Bureau asks them to do a job I did previously. Damn, I’m the most laid-back, gregarious, and even-tempered person on the planet; and I’ll mutilate the miserable manky motherfucker that says I’m not.”
Chuck laughs nervously.
“Hyperbole aside,” I continue, “It’s just that they know I’m headed out to the Middle East and don’t want to bother me right now; I suppose.”
“Umm, Rock,” Chuck clears his thought, and gulps, “That’s not the reason they told me.”
“Is that a fact?” I ask, “What did they give as a reason?”
“Now, Rock, don’t take this wrong. This is Bureau-speak, not me,” Chuck wants to make the point vodka-clear, “But they felt you were the wrong person to lead this group of ‘scholars’. They were concerned with your…”
Hesitation.
“Spill it, Chuck,” I say.
“Demeanor,” Chuck says, “Your conduct, your deportment, your behavior…”
“I see someone got a Thesaurus for Christmas,” I said.
“Rock, that’s them, not me,” Chuck continues, “They said you are too ‘wild and wooly’ to conduct this field expedition of ‘noted scholars’.”
“Is that a fact?” I ask, rhetorically.
“Just reporting to you what they told me, Bossman.” Chuck offers.
“I appreciate it, Chuck. Thanks.” I reply, “Don’t sweat it. I’ll take it from here.”
You could hear an audible expression of relief when we broke connection.
After a couple of cocktails, I had simmered down a bit. Esme says that I need to call my Agency buddies and get the lowdown on the situation, as they’ll know what’s going on.
For once, Esme is also very, very pissed off about the whole situation. Mama Bear’s claws were getting sharpened.
“You are gone for months,” Es exclaims, “Train a bunch of greenhorns, exceed project requirements by over 200%, supply crucial scientific data on forensic activities, and take out a disaster they didn’t even know existed in that mine with the locker full of explosives!”
“Yeah,” I reply, “Does seem a wee bit unappreciative.”
“And then they pull this kind of shit!,” Es yells further, “Those ungrateful bastards. Fuck ‘em. Let them stew in their own futility. They call and you tell them to get stuffed. After all you did for them…”
“Now, now, Dearest,” say, “Let me call Rack and Ruin. If anyone has the skinny on all this, they’ll have all the latest dope.”
“Bastards!,” Es cries, “You damn near get killed several times over and this is their thanks?”
“Yeah, I know, Darling,” I say, “Does seems a bit ungrateful and duplicitous.”
Esme hands me the phone.
“Phone. Call. Now.” She orders.
Looks like I just got my marchin’ orders.
“Yes, my love,” I reply. Even I know when I’m out-matched.
RING RING RING
Agent Rack answers and we go through the usual pleasantries…
“What the flying fuck you mean ‘I’m too dangerous’?” I question Agent Rack.
“Well, Doctor,” Rack tries to explain, “Your ‘cavalier’ attitude towards explosives. More of your ‘relationship’ with them. Not showing the proper deference…”
“WHAT?,” I roar, “Ask anyone that has worked with me in the field! ‘Safety first, last, and foremost’. Just that I don’t fret and quail around explosives like a bunch of phonophobic, jumped-up, wet-pantied shuddering schoolgirls, when I have to demolish something, doesn’t mean I’m anything other than a goddamned consummate professional.”
“Plus, Doctor, ” Rack continues, “It’s not the 1880’s any longer. A Stetson? A sidearm? A .454 Casull Magnum at that…”
“You have got to be yanking my crank here, Rack.” I angrily reply, as I really hate it when someone calls me Doctor like that, “The hat keeps the sun off my head so I don’t get addled like those fuckers you’re talking with at the Bureau. The sidearm is for safety. Oh, yes; there’s that word again. It’s a fucking tool, just like my Estwing hammers or my galvanometer.”
“Can’t kill anyone with a galvanometer,” Rack replies.
“But I could with a hammer, myriad ways” I reply, “And give me five minutes, I’d figure out a way to ‘extract’ someone with a galvanometer...”
“Doctor, do let me let you talk with Agent Ruin; I’m needed elsewhere,,” he tells me.
Agent Ruin takes the phone. It’s the old Agency Two-Step.
“Doctor is distraught,” he observes.
“No, ‘Doctor’ is just plain damned mad.” I reply, “They contract me for a job that has never been attempted before and I complete it beyond their wildest expectations! This is my recompense?”
“Well, Doctor,” Ruin continues, “I’m sure it’s strictly a business decision. It’s obviously nothing personal.”
“It sure as fuck sounds personal,” I gripe back, as now I’ve gone from annoyed to genuinely pissed off, “I’m surprised they didn’t say something derogatory about my Hawaiian shirts.”
“Oh, they did,” Agent Ruin lets slip.
“Oh? OK, Fine. That’s is then,” I reply, “The joyfulness of this whole experience has left the building. Tell them to strike me from their fucking list. I’m done with them. I wash my hands of them. I’m off east anyways. Fuck that bunch of paper-pushing, deskbound, pencil-necked dickheads. Fuck them. Fuck them solid. Fuck them ‘till they bleed.”
“Strong message to follow,” I add.
“Doctor,” Agent Ruin reminds me, “Do I need to remind you that all our conversations are recorded?”
“Oh, fuck no. I know that. So fucking what?” I growl, “Like I’m going to get tossed in Guantanamo for expressing a personal opinion? I can still do that in this fine country. Or has the First Amendment been repealed in my absence?”
“Doctor, you’re obviously agitated,’ Ruin adds, “Perhaps we’ll talk again later when you’ve calmed down before you head to the Middle East.”
“Yeah, about that,” I reply, “You shady characters can cross me off your fucking list as well. You’ve done nothing for me on this latest concern. Nothing! You couldn’t even give me the courtesy of a motherfucking heads-up. Guess that tells me all I need to know about the future of our relationship. Goodbye, Agent Ruin. Give Agent Rack my ‘Da Svidonya. I won’t be answering your calls any longer.
“Doctor, I, um, wait…”Agent Ruin sputters.
I continue: “And as long as I’m at it, tell that other Bureau to go hang as well. They want more data or shit from me, tell them to go find it elsewhere. And also tell them good luck with that. The three experts that exist in the world apart from me already told them to get bent. At least they possess loyalty and a dollop of comradeship. I’ll be shipping your phone and other items back via parcel post. Hasta la vista, Herr Ruin. Have a day.”
CLICK-KER -FUCKING-SMASH! I hang up in the rudest way possible.
“Clapped-out assholes,” I muse. “All those years of working together. All those years of building relationships around the world. It’s all kyboshed over a fucking Hawaiian shirt. I guess it was inevitable. Either I became too specialized or evolved myself out of being useful to them. Ah, well, their loss. Can’t be helped…”
I take a healthy swig right from the prime vodka bottle. OK, several.
“FUCKERS!” I scream at the wood-paneled ceiling, shaking my fist in vehement rage at the clouds coolly cruising by outside my window.
Esme doesn’t come running. She doesn’t have to. She knows the score.
I ship the Agency’s toys back to them with a terse note: “Thanks for all the nothing. Here’s your shit back. Dr. Rocknocker. PS: Get stuffed.”
Not my best effort, I’ll agree. However, I was really pissed at that point.
Now I have the time to devote solely to relocating my family and I overseas. Gad, there’s so much crap one must go through. What to sell, what goes in storage, what to trash, what to give away…the lists are endless.
First to go are all my power tools. Fuckbuckets. It took me decades to amass that collection. I got a good price, sure, but now I’m more or less without a hobby. We decide to put all Esme’s lapidary equipment in storage. It’s too specialized to generate much interest, much less a decent price. Besides, they won’t rot in our absence.
I can ship my fishing gear and golf clubs overseas. They’re American, but at least not 120 VAC.
Our house goes on the market and we have to get it spiffed to within an inch of its life. Got to have that ‘curb appeal’. Good, let someone else do it, I’m busy. More unexpected expense.
I give our house contractors out in New Mexico their marching orders. It’s going slow and will be a seasonal thing, but they guarantee me the house will be ready by next summer if they can source the slabs of Baraboo Quartzite I want. Splendid, that’s something I don’t have to follow up on every day.
Then there’s our aquarium. 250 gallons of treated Houston water, loaded with native Texan fish and a couple of cranky Jack Dempseys. All the gear, filters, pumps, water polishers, heaters, treaters, all of it. Has to go.
My ex-Utah Mormon drinking buddy down the road expresses interest. I basically let him have it gratis on the one condition he takes everything, fish included. He has to keep the fish alive and happy their entire lives. I’ve raised some from minnows and have grown attached to a couple of the gaspergou and a certain smallmouth bass with those big brown eyes…
Digger, my stalwart mechanic, is going to purchase my truck. It’s a bittersweet parting, but at least I know it’ll have a great home. Digger is going to use it as both his personal truck and his company’s hot-shot vehicle for pick-up and delivery of everything from batteries to full drivetrains. I know the vehicle will be in good hands.
Our Land Rover is up for grabs. Few are interested, though; buyer’s market. It’s a couple of years old and has lots of miles, due to Houston being so stupid-big. I order an extra-large bottle of AstroGlide as I know I’m going to be taking it up the ass on this one…
Finally, our pets.
Reluctantly, I’ve agreed to take the cat. It’s a stupid little feline that I figure we can just toss in a suitcase and drag it with us overseas. No, I guess we’ll get a cat-carrier and figure it out with the airlines.
Then there’s Lady. 135 kilos of dopey puppy. She’s getting up in years, as well, especially for a giant breed. Luckily, overseas we’ll be living on a Western compound. So if we go through all the rigmarole of quarantine, getting her a ‘pet passport’, and shipping via a specialist service, Lady can bark at the tenets of pre-Islam (dogs really aren’t haram), and actually join us in our new home.
This is going to cost a fortune, but I don’t care. She’s an integral part of the family, she is going to join us.
I find a Pet Relocation Service and begin the masses of insane paperwork. It’s an ‘all-in’ service, basically door-to-door. But do not be deluded, they charge every micrometer of the way.
Vaccinations, chipping (she already was fitted with an RFID chip), booking, boarding, securing vet services, obtaining health certificates, securing import permits, dealing with all issues related to customs clearance, interacting with foreign agents, supplying IATA approved crates, and obtaining Municipality tags registration for new arrivals.
Gonna cost me a couple-three-four kilobucks. Worth every penny.
Esme, the kids and I are working on beginning packing, tossing this, wrapping that, sentimentalizing over the other thing when we get a ring at the door.
It’s a bonded courier. He has a package for me.
It’s of the size that would contain about 6-months’ worth of Playboy magazines, and has no external address. I sign for the thing and walk back to the kitchen.
“What you got there, Rock?” Es asks.
“Not sure,” I reply, “But it came via bonded courier.”
“Well, open it,” Es smiles. She loves surprises.
I do so and it’s a series of articles, re-prints, and other information regarding Nevada, mine closures, and the Mine Closure Act. There’s also a number of newspaper and magazine clippings that had been photo-copied into a dozen-page document. All of them, write-ups and reviews from different newspapers, house organs, and journals citing my work with the guys out in the field.
I open it further and there’s a personal note from Dr. Sam Muleshoe, and a certified check, made out in my name.
Seems I was correct. After exhausting their leads with Al, Leo, and Chuck, they have spent near a month trying to find someone to take over the project. “To fill my shoes,” as Dr. Sam Muleshoe notes.
They came up totally empty.
“Told ya’ so.” I gloated. Esme smiles a wide schadenfreude-fueled smile.
I look at the check. It’s plenty healthy, but not superhero strength.
I show Es and she laughs out loud.
“So,” Es whoops, “They think they can get back in your good graces by buying you off? Hah! Fat chance,” she says and regards the check, “Hell. They’re not even close.”
I agree with Esme passionately.
I write a quick, hand-scribbled note to Dr. Muleshoe, thanking him for the information. I give several options, some admittedly anatomically impossible, regarding what he can do with the check and the Bureau’s offer.
I wrap it back up with duct-tape, call the courier service, and return it to Reno, COD.
A couple of days later, I receive a phone call. Surprise, surprise, it’s from Reno.
“Rock, it’s Reno!,” Es tells me.
I shake my head “no!” slicing my hand through the air in the head-chop mime.
“Tell him I’ve gone bush in darkest Outer Albania and you have no idea when I’ll be back,” I say.
Esme looks a bit sheepish, as we can hear the phone remark: “I can hear you, you know.”
“Fuckbuckets,” I think, “OK, hand me the rap-rod.”
“Yeah?” I growl, very grizzly-like into the infernal communication device.
“Hello, Rock. This is Sam Muleshoe,” the phone reports.
“Damn,” I exclaim, “I guess you characters can’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Which word fucking confused you?”
“Rock, what’s the god damned deal?,” Sam asks innocently, “Why all the bloody hostility?”
“Oh, double-fuck me!” I say metaphorically, “Don’t act like you don’t know. Try and snake the latest field mine closing job out from under me and try to snag my guys. Then, when that fails, give some sort of bullshit report to Rack and Ruin. You think I’m ‘too cavalier’, too “wild and wooly’, and think I’m some goddamned 19th-century throwback that loves horrible Hawaiian shirts…”
“Doc?,” Sam asks, “Are you currently fucking drunk? What the actual fuck are you rabbeting on about?”
“Sam, I’m stone-cold fucking sober,” I reply, “Yeah. I know, that’s a first. But listen here Scooter. You must have balls of brass trying to sweet-talk me into running another field course after all you did…”
“Rock,” Sam pleads, “Please, believe me, I have no idea what you’re on about. Can we talk and maybe figure this thing out?”
“No!,” I holler, “I’m done talking with the likes of your Bureau. Nothing you can do or say to rebuild the bridges they’ve burned with me.”
“OK,” he says, “Doct…, err, Rock, buddy. Calm your tits. Give me the Reader’s Digest version. I’ll look into it, because I have absolutely no idea what this is all about. This really sounds serious, with fuck-up overtones. Trust me, I’m serious as the last cold can of beer on a field trip.”
“Marvelous.” I say, “I guess I owe you that much. Professional courtesy. At least one of us has the grit to employ some.”
So, I run through the tale of the travails of Al, Chuck, and Leo. Then my little difference of opinion with Agents Rack, Ruin, and the Agency. Plus my severing of ties with both that Agency out on the east coast and the Bureaus in the great American Southwest.
“Doctor,” Sam says intently, “I know it’s going to be difficult, but I swear on a box of your finest cigars with a vodka chaser that I didn’t know anything about all this nor did it come from this office. Por favor señor, let me do some digging. I’ll be back in touch.”
“Sam,” I say, thinking over the situation, “Yeah…I must apologize for my previous outbursts. I should have known you’re not behind this idiocy. Yeah, go do some fossicking. Let me know what you dig up. Again, sorry. I was a bit…animated.”
“Rock,” Sam chuckles, “Do you think that I’d dare anger someone like you? You must think I’ve got a serious case of cranial lithification to cheese-off the Motherfucking Pro from Dover!”
At this point, I knew that Sam was also only collateral damage; he too was caught in the crossfire. Ground zero for the original attacks lie elsewhere within the Bureau.
Esme and I go back to preparing for our trip coming up in 2 months. But Jesus Q. Christwagons, there’s so much to do. Everything you own; it gets packed, stored, or trashed.
It’s the decisions that get so tiring. Keep. Toss. Sell. Burn. Leave on someone’s doorstep.
I propose to Es that we just do the basic necessities. Then we hire some firm to finish up for us. It’d be worth the cost since just think what we’d be saving on aspirin and Ace Bandages.
Esme readily backs the idea that we should turn the job over to someone else. Plus in the interim, we can take a trip back home to Baja Canada so the kids could visit their grandparents, we visit our family, and all of us could cool out a bit before the big trip east.
I need to drop by Big Ray’s Tap for a few hours/days anyways.
Old commitments.
We’d go the beginning of our last month here in the States, spend a couple of weeks visiting family at home, leave the kids with the grandparents to get spoiled rotten. Es and I would return to Houston to finalize everything.
Then Es and I would fly from Houston to that damn sprawling annoyance of an airport on the big lake in Illinoise. The family would meet us there, handover the kids, and we’d all haul ass eastwards to the Middle East.
I readily agreed. Anything has to be better than dealing with this crapola.
Lady and the stupid cat would go to the pet schleppers a little early. Sure, it’d cost a few more dinars, but that’s one big headache sorted.
So, late one afternoon, I’m sitting in my office, trying to figure out exactly what reference works I couldn’t live without.
Compton’s? Save. Field Guide to Fungus? Toss. No, wait a minute. Could prove useful.
That’s why this is taking forever.
The phone rings.
It’s Sam.
“Hello, Sam,” I say, “What news?”
“Goddamn it all to fucking hell and back,” Sam roars.
“That’s a unique greeting,” I reply.
“I finally drilled down to the bottom of all this horseshit.,” Sam replies, “And it’s a real bowl of fuck all the way south.”
“I’m listening,” I say, “Actually, Sam, hold on. I need a drink. Moment.”
I give Es the high sign, note it’s Sam on the phone, and that I’ll be in my office if she hears any screaming.
I amp up my drink and return to my office, closing the door behind me.
Lady is here, waiting to keep my feet warm.
“OK Sam, your nickel,” I say, “What’s the scoop?”
“Would you believe?,” he begins, “That all batshittery this came from accounting and bookkeeping?”
“Well,” I reply, “I’ll have to admit that I’m not overly surprised.”
“Yeah,” Sam continues, “I was off on holiday. My first two weeks off after 5 years. My very temporary replacement received a memo from the head of the Bureau that there was great interest in you leading a shortened version of your last trip to demonstrate to a bunch of different university PhDs in the care and feeding of abandoned mines. Seems the Bureau Chief was very impressed with what you and your team accomplished.”
“OK,” I reply, “With you so far. So, where did things get wrapped around a tractor’s nuts?”
“Right,” he replies, “Here’s where things first went off the rails. Whoever vetted the list of potential attendees sorted the list alphabetically, not by field of expertise. Of course, the obvious first choice would be for geologists; especially those with mining, field, and blasting experience.”
“Ah,” I replied, “No wonder it was such a miscellaneous bunch of baloney-loaf whole-grain enviro-types that Al had mentioned.”
“Yep,” Sam agreed, “But before anyone with any brains got sight of that list, some fucknuts in the Bureau’s University Liaison department sent out invitations.”
“Invitations?” I asked, “To what?”
“That’s just the thing,” Sam continued, “They sent out invites to a program that didn’t yet exist, run by someone who had yet to be contacted, much less secured.”
“Oh, hey! That’s some good work you guys do down there.” I snort.
“Indeed,” Sam agrees, “So once that hit the mail, we started getting back replies and acceptances.”
“And there was no project, no leader, no logistics…?” I asked.
“No shit,” Sam scoffs. “So, what did these idiots here do? Contact the attendees and explain the problem. Take a little flack, but get it sorted out then try again?”
“Let me guess,” I said, “No?”
“Nope,” Sam sighs, “By that time, it was in the works and in the hands of accountants.”
“Oh, fuck,” I commiserated. “I feel your pain.”
“Yeah,” Sam continues, “They see that you’re the hookin’ bull on the last one and they dig into your contract. They figure, ‘Whoa, he’s way too expensive, just look at these expense accounts’, so they do an end-around and contact your colleagues.”
“Al, Chuck, and Leo. They’re damn good guys,” I said, “Fine field scientists, all. But I don’t think any of them have the moxie or experience yet to run a whole field course.”
“These accounting shitheads never bothered to find out,” Sam groans, “It was all ‘bottom line’, so you got caught in the squeeze.”
“OK,” I reply, “I see how that happened, but what about all the shit about me being a 19th-century throwback, that I’m unsafe, wear horrible Hawaiian shirts, and all that shit?”
“Comedy of bloody errors,” Sam says, “Actually, the Bureau Chief likes your fashion sense; you should see some of his shirts. But your slime campaign was based on unreliable evidence, tall tales, folklore, and outright fabrications. It was easy to pimp someone with a personality like yours, it’s been said. Someone was trying desperately to cover his ass. However, we have identified the perpetrator.”
“Next time I’m in Reno,” I said, “I’ll pay him a friendly little visit and arrange his transport to Neptune. One way. Y’know, it’d be easy for someone with a ‘personality like mine’.”
“Ah, yeah. He won’t be here,” Sam says, “In fact, we don’t know where the hell he went. He was immediately sacked, as were a couple of the more boneheaded accountants.”
“That’s redundant,” I smirk, “They really don’t want to talk with or see me anytime soon.”
“Right, then Rock,” Sam says, “We green again?”
“Yeah, Sam,” I reply, “Sure. Green as a New Saigon. But you’ve got to call Rack and Ruin for me. You have to let them know how this whole clusterfuck came to be. We had some words a while back.”
“Oh, yeah,” Sam remembers, “I talked with them the other day. They said they’ll be in Houston in a couple of days.”
“Cor! Just what I fucking need right now,” I lament. “Ah, it is what it is.”
“OK, Rock. Now, back to reality. You interested?” Sam asks.
“Send me a JD (job description) and the project particulars. The price of poker’s really going up this time, Sam. Stratospheric. Sorry, it’s all just business.” I relate.
“Yeah…,” Sam sighs, “I figure we’ll really owe you if you can drag our ass out of the campfire on this one.”
“You have no idea,” I chuckle. We exchange farewells and ring off.
Now I have some talking to do with my significant other.
Since we were all set to go back to Baja Canada, I could use those two weeks to go to Nevada, if necessary. I can be back in Houston with Es for the last two weeks before we’re slated to travel, and we can sort out the house.
“This won’t be an easy sell,” I muse, before chatting with my darling, brilliant, and ever-so-forgiving partner.
“I’ll need a drink first”, I declare.
Esme notes that it would be nice to have a little spare cash with us when we move overseas.
You could have dropped me with a Claymore. Es never fails to flummox me.
So, provisional OK from the powers that be. Now all I have to do is wait on Sam’s prospectus.
The next day, the doorbell rings. It’s Agents Rack and Ruin.
One is holding a box of very expensive cigars, and one is holding a bottle of very expensive bourbon.
I turn to Es and remark, “Look here, darlin’. Geeks bearing gifts.”
“Hello, Doctor,” Rack says, bristling, “We need to talk. “
“Why?” I ask, “I do seem to recall that I’m no longer associated with you people any longer.”
“Doctor,” Agent Ruin cocks his head contritely, bowing ever so slightly, “May we please have a moment of your time?”
I look to Es. She shrugs her shoulders. Luckily I’m partial to Es’ opinion. I am also partial to good bourbon and cigars, especially when someone else is paying for them. So I shrug my shoulders as well and tell them to make entry.
“My office, “ I say, “You know the way. Mind the boxes.”
Once in my office, the Agents stack their offerings and go on in great detail, basically collaborating Sam’s story. I remain steadfast and stony as the Harney Peak Granite of Mr. Rushmore fame. I’m not giving anything away any longer.
“Well, Doctor,” Agent Ruin finalizes, “That’s the story, warts and all.”
“Yep, it is pretty warty,” I agree, “So?”
“We would like to rekindle our relationship,” Agent Rack reports, “These are for starters.”
He hands me the cigars and booze; plus another box.
“Thanks,” I say, “But just because I accept your peace offerings, that doesn’t mean we’re going to turn back the clock.”
“What are you suggesting?” Agent Ruin asks.
“No more consulting,” I reply, “I want in. The ‘Full Monty’, as it were. If I’m going overseas and work for some twitchy Middle Eastern sandpit’s national oil company, I want perks, tabs, and my ass duly covered.”
“Work two full-time jobs simultaneously?” Agent Rack asks.
“However you want to structure it,” I say, “No more consulting. From here on out, you want me, you’re making me a full-fledged full-timer.”
Agents Rack and Ruin look at each other, enquiringly.
“Doctor,” Agent Rack replies, “We are prepared to offer you an ad hoc Agency appointment. You will be fully attached but you will be also doing your full-time job in the other country.”
“I’m listening. Tell me more,” I ask, “What exactly are you offering?”
“Full access to all pertinent information,” Agent Ruin continues, “Full entrée to appropriate facilities and, um, assets. Security for you and your family in case of, well, shall; we say, ‘difficulties’. Monthly minimum payment of [$$$] to any non-US bank of your choice. Extra duties would be duly compensated. Top clearances. An enhanced potential payment package, bonus possibilities, and full benefits for you.”
“Full benefits for me and my family,” I say, “Or there’s the door. Non-negotiable” I point out.
“Very well. That had been anticipated.” Agent Rack replies.
“Gentlemen,” I say, “Let us shake on what I hope turns out to be a beautiful relationship.”
We shake hands and I sign my life away. I’m really in it now, up to my neck. I have to learn to shut up more and just listen.
“Now, gents,” I say, “In order to seal the deal, let us break out the drinking stuff you’ve brought along. We will also smoke together so that we will know there will be no lies or deceit between us.”
“Also anticipated, Doctor,” both agents agree.
My ‘new’ old colleagues prepare to leave a while later, after a cigar, and far too much of what was a full bottle of expensive gift booze. They always get you in the end.
Contained within the other small box were my new Agency credentials, updated version satellite phone, secure codes, and a nifty new Swiss Army Knife, with a built-in cigar cutter.
With renewed dedication and expectations all ‘round, Agents Rack and Ruin take their leave.
They hope to be able to meet me and the family, remember, they are Uncles Rack and Ruin, overseas one day in the not too distant future. My information, further updated cards, registration, and all that official business guff will come to the specific Middle Eastern country’s US Embassy for me once we arrive and get settled.
“Marvelous,” I muse.
I receive an Email from Dr. Muleshoe explaining what we talked about and his hopes for my stickhandling a ‘quick’ 2-week field excursion for the approximately 15 Ph.D. types from around North America. Seems there’s a couple of Canadians and one Mexican professor that expressed desires to join. They had actually forwarded funds to be included in our number.
Sam suggests I drive out in my truck and proceed as per the last trip. Get the trailer, fill it with noisemakers, and the Bureau would sort out transportation and lodging for the attendees. Seems some want to camp, like real geologists, and some want to lodge in hotels, like real non-geologists.
I write Sam back:
First item: this is a 2-week sojourn into the desert. It’s a field meeting, emphasis on the field, not a tour of Nevada’s many fine hotels, resorts, and casinos.
Item two: I no longer possess my truck. The Bureau will provide me with the appropriate vehicular equivalent. No passengers, this will be the Camp Chief truck from the onset. Besides, I am the only one licensed to drive the vehicle when coupled to an explosives-laden trailer.
Item three: I will be flown to and from Reno from Houston. No buses, trains, or automobiles. It’s business class or zilch.
Item the fourth: the Bureau will source the necessary support logisticians to provide food, drink, and toilet paper for the 16 professionals while we are in the field. They will also need to provide cooks, dishwashers, camp tidiers, and the like as I don’t have time to deal with 15 potentially field-fresh, whiny waterhead PhDs.
Item the fifth: The Bureau will provide for all pre- and post-trip handling of participants. They can handle hotel rooms for the early arrivers or late-stayers. They can manage arrivals, registration, signing of necessary documents, and assuring vaccination records are up to snuff, waivers are signed, etc. They will also handle the transportation of participants to/from and during the field project, when and where necessary.
Item the sixth: I include a new version of my contract. Force Majeure, ‘Take or Pay’ clause. Door to door coverage. Plus my, ahem, augmented day rate. Absolutely non-negotiable.
Item seven: I have final say over what is done in the field. I am in command, the boss, the head cheese, the head honcho, and I require absolute discipline, especially where explosives are concerned. “My way or the highway” will be the theme of the trip. Gain, non-negotiable.
To be continued.

Oklahoma City's event list.

Ongoing

• BEYOND (Factory Obscura - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Dec 21st Join the creatives behind the Oklahoma City art collective Factory Obscura for a fully-immersive, experiential art…
• A Christmas Carol (Lyric at the Plaza - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 24th A spectacular new Oklahoma holiday tradition returns with Lyric Theatre's production of the Charles Dickens classic,…
• Christmas in the Park (Yukon City Park, Freedom Trail Park & Chisholm Trail Park - Yukon) Thru Mon, Dec 31st Yukon's Christmas in the Park offers a beautiful lighted drive through three interconnecting parks. Yukon's Chisholm…
• Devon Ice Rink (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 27th The Devon Ice Rink returns for another magical season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens this November through the end of…
• Downs Family Christmas Lights (Down's Family Christmas Light Ministry - Norman) Thru Tue, Jan 1st The Downs Family Christmas Lights in Norman is one of the most spectacular light displays at a private residence in…
• Downtown in December (Downtown - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 27th Downtown in December presented by Devon, is a series of holiday events and attractions in the heart of Oklahoma City.…
• Chickasha Festival of Light (Shannon Springs Park - Chickasha) Thru Mon, Dec 31st The Chickasha Festival of Light has been recognized as one of the top ten holiday light shows in the nation…
• Holiday in the Park (Starlight Amphitheater @ Frontier City - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 6th Experience the magic of a million lights sparkling throughout Frontier City Theme Park. At the annual Holiday in the Park…
• Midwest City Holiday Lights Spectacular (Joe B. Barnes Regional Park - Midwest City) Thru Tue, Dec 25th Celebrate the magic of the season as over one million lights transform Joe B. Barnes Regional Park into a twinkling winter…
• Holiday Pop-Up Shops (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Venture over to Midtown in Oklahoma City during the winter holidays, and gaze in wonder at the geodesic dome city overtaking…
• It's a Wonderful Life (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Get in the Christmas spirit with the enchanting performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”…
• Lights From the Heart (Purcell Lake - Purcell) Thru Tue, Jan 1st Set your gaze upon a holiday wonderland at Lights From the Heart in Purcell. On this 1.5-mile drive around Purcell Lake…
• Limo Holiday Lights Tours (Citywide - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 31st Schedule a two-hour tour of the city's most spectacular holiday lights via limo, and enjoy a smooth ride past vibrant…
• Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink (Mitch Park - Edmond) Thru Sun, Jan 6th Enjoy holiday ice skating in Mitch Park at the Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink. Glide around the 117ft. x 56ft. under clear,…
• A Territorial Christmas Celebration (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Step back in time at A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Guthrie with a live theatre production, historic home tours,…
• Kingfisher Winter Nights (Kingifhser City Park - Kingfisher) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Millions of lights are setting historic Kingfisher Park ablaze in the city of Kingfisher. Every evening from November…

Wednesday, Dec 5th

• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Dec 7th Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more to Indian art, than pretty, stylized pictures.” This exhibition highlights this depth and the 20th century American masters who shaped it. Explore early artists such as the Kiowa Six, Tonita…
• ♪ Anthem Drown Night! (HiLo Club - Oklahoma City) Our local friends at Anthem Brewing Co. have some great beers! Every Wednesday night from 9pm to close enjoy $8 Drown Night! Their Power Pils will be flowing!
• Barrel Racing Futurity World Championship (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Dec 8th The annual Barrel Racing Futurity World Championships come to Oklahoma State Fair Park. Put on by the Barrel Futurities of…
• Dungeons & Dragons (Edmond Unplugged - Edmond) Start Time: 7:00pm A City on the Edge with Ashley King No Cost Beginners and experienced players welcome Pre-made characters will be available No outside food and drink, food and drink available within the store
• 🎨 'Fantasy Rewind' (The Paramount OKC - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm We are very proud to present a brand new VHS series out at The Paramount Screening Room on Film Row OKC! FANTASY REWIND will be us sharing classic science-fiction TV shows, animation, and fantasy VHS tapes! We're going hard into retro sci-fi with these shows and can't wait to bring you all along for the ride!
  The Paramount Screening Room has…
  
• ♪ Golden Harmonizers Christmas Concert (Edmond Senior Center - Edmond) Start Time: 12:00pm Enjoy a special Christmas performance by our very own Golden Harmonizers. Directed by: Gary Hook
  
• 😂 Greg Morton (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City)
  
• 🎓 ILLUMINATIONS: A Northern Lights Experience in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Dec 7th Start Time: 6:00pm Presented by OGE Energy Corp. November 23 – January 2 Evenings Enjoy a new take on holiday lighting inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory beginning November 23 through January 2nd. Professional designers using the latest lighting technology are taking our holiday display to the next level, beyond strings of lights. Bring your…
  
• ♪ Jessica Pratt & Kurt Vile (The Jones Assembly - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
  
• Kurt Vile and the Violaters in Concert (The Jones Assembly - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:30pm Head to the Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City for an evening of introspective folk as Kurt Vile and the Violators take the…
  
• ♪ Live Music- Medium Swing (Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
  
• 🍴 Open for Lunch! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Dec 7th Start Time: 11:30am Starting Black Friday you can enjoy The Melting Pot all day long! We will be opening our doors at 11:30 am every day until December 23. Make your reservation today!
  
• ♪ Phillip Brandon (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
  
• ♪ Edmond Senior Center's Golden Harmonizers Christmas Concert (Tailgating Lot - Edmond) Start Time: 12:00pm Enjoy a special Christmas performance by our very own Golden Harmonizers. Directed by: Gary Hook http://edmondok.com/calendar.aspx?EID=7390
  
• ♪ Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2018 Presented By Hallmark Channel (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm
  
• 🏆 Wednesday Game Night (Remington Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Play the games you love for jackpots and then play more games you love for Extra Cash & Prizes on Game Night at Remington Park, every Wednesday! Starting at 6pm on Wednesday nights at Remington Park, just make sure to use your Club Remington Card as you play in the casino. Doing so may get you selected via hot seat drawings to make Free Spins,…
  

Thursday, Dec 6th

• 🍴 10th Annual Ugly Sweater Party (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm Don’t miss The Melting Pot’s 10th Annual Holiday Sweater Party! You can’t bring yourself to wear it in public, but you don’t have the heart to throw it out. Here’s your chance to dig that ugly old holiday sweater out of the closet and join us for a festive evening of fun and four-course fondue.
• $ 2018 OHA Annual Convention & Trade Show (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) The Oklahoma Hospital Association Spirit Award is given annually to exceptional individuals in the hospital community whose exemplary leadership and dedication have significantly enhanced patient care, their organizations and/or their communities. Each year, a different theme is emphasized. For 2018, the theme is the Spirit of Passion and…
• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more to Indian art, than pretty, stylized pictures.” This exhibition highlights this depth and the 20th century American masters who shaped it. Explore early artists such as the Kiowa Six, Tonita…
• 🎨 The Art Market : Locally Made, Gift Inspired Works (DNA galleries - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Keeping in mind December gift giving, our featured artists have created smaller works that can be...
• 🎨 Art Moves (The Paramount OKC - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 12:00pm Join Arts Council Oklahoma City and deadCenter Film on Thursday, December 6th from noon to 1pm for a FREE film screening in The Paramount's historic...
• Barrel Racing Futurity World Championship (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Dec 8th The annual Barrel Racing Futurity World Championships come to Oklahoma State Fair Park. Put on by the Barrel Futurities of…
• Shawnee Christmas Parade of Lights (Downtown - Shawnee) Enjoy one of Oklahoma's largest nighttime Christmas parades and watch as Main Street comes alive with lights. The…
• ♪ COOP Showcase (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm $10 with ticketing fees Standing Room Only
• DNA GALLERIES: The Art Market (DNA galleries - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm DNA GALLERIES: ART EXHIBITIONS
• Heart of Oklahoma Parade of Lights (Main Street - Purcell) Bundle up and make your way to downtown Purcell for the Heart of Oklahoma Parade of Lights. Watch bands, dancing groups,…
• Heavenly Holidays (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Liven up the holiday season and attend a performance of "Heavenly Holidays" at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.…
• Holiday Happening (Sam Noble Museum - Norman) Start Time: 4:00pm Get in the holiday spirit with cookie decorating, pictures with Santa, games, winter crafts and a blizzard of fun! This even is open to the public and...
• Home for the Holidays: A Gift of American Dance (Kirkpatrick Auditorium - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 9th Get in the rhythm of the holidays with a Broadway-style dance extravaganza at Oklahoma City University. Come marvel at…
• 🎓 ILLUMINATIONS: A Northern Lights Experience in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 6:00pm Presented by OGE Energy Corp. November 23 – January 2 Evenings Enjoy a new take on holiday lighting inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory beginning November 23 through January 2nd. Professional designers using the latest lighting technology are taking our holiday display to the next level, beyond strings of lights. Bring your…
• Jake's Jingle Jam (Riverwind Casino - Norman) Start Time: 6:00pm Head to Riverwind Casino in Norman for Jake's Jingle Jam. Featuring Devin Dawson and Maddie & Tae, guests are in for…
• ♪ Jake's Jingle Jam ft. Devin Dawson & Maddie & Tae (Riverwind Casino - Norman) Start Time: 7:00pm
• 🎭 Lewis Black: The Joke's On US Tour (Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center - Midwest City) Start Time: 8:00pm Don't miss stand-up comedian Lewis Black's hilarious show "The Joke's on Us" at the Rose State…
• ♪ Lucki (Chevy Bricktown Events Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• Chickasha Main Street Christmas Parade (Rock Island Depot - Chickasha) The 2018 Christmas Magic holiday parade features marching bands, floats, antique cars, horses and more. Come to the annual…
• 🎓 Managing Stress (Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center - Edmond) Start Time: 6:30pm Being stressed is uncomfortable. When you know why stress happens, you will know how to deal with it and how to antidote it. The trick is to learn the essential tools that stop stress happening.
  Regardless of its origins, stress drains our physical, emotional and mental energy.
  Several myths exist about the causes of stress and the most…
  
• 🎭 Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY By Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon Showing in the Burg Theatre at Oklahoma City University A sequel to Jane...
  
• 🍴 Open for Lunch! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 11:30am Starting Black Friday you can enjoy The Melting Pot all day long! We will be opening our doors at 11:30 am every day until December 23. Make your reservation today!
  
• ♪ Ramblin' Jack Elliott with Michael Fracasso (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• 🏃 Red Coyote Pack Pint Run (Classen Curve - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Come run with the pack! The weekly Red Coyote Running and Fitness Pack Pint Run is an out-and-back 3-mile course so you can go as far or a short as you...
  
• ♪ SahBabii (Chevy Bricktown Events Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
  
• Saints Sessions (Saints - Oklahoma City) Head to the Plaza District each Thursday for an evening of Saints Sessions programming. Visit Saints Pub in Oklahoma City on…
  
• ♪ SG Tip (Chevy Bricktown Events Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
  
• Sip 'N Shop (Classen Curve - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm Take a break from the holiday craze with an evening full of fashion, food, fun, and best of all - cocktails! Other cool things? Live entertainment, prize...
  
• SpringHill Suites Art Night (SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oklahoma City Airport - Oklahoma City) Head to SpringHill Suites by Marriott Quail Springs Oklahoma City for a night filled with art. During SpringHill Suites…
  
• 🎓 Moore Toastmasters (1st United Methodist Church - Moore) Start Time: 7:00pm Do you cringe at the thought of being in front of a room communicating? Maybe you have no idea how to construct your thoughts for your next business meeting?
  Come and join toastmasters and learn the art of public speaking and leadership. It is a safe and great learning environment for you to start or refine your public speaking skills. There…
  
• ♪ Young Nudy (Chevy Bricktown Events Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
  

Friday, Dec 7th

• 🎓 Edmond Ambucs Friday Luncheon (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 12:00pm The Edmond Chapter Ambucs “creating mobility & independence for people with disabilities” hosts a weekly luncheon every Friday. Please join us at 12PM Noon, UCO Nigh Center, Cherokee Room. We also meet the 2nd Tues. night monthly, 5:30PM, Rock & Brews, 2737 W. Memorial Rd. for $5 burgers & FREE appetizers. More info., call (405)820-9667.
• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more to Indian art, than pretty, stylized pictures.” This exhibition highlights this depth and the 20th century American masters who shaped it. Explore early artists such as the Kiowa Six, Tonita…
• Barrel Racing Futurity World Championship (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) 1 day left The annual Barrel Racing Futurity World Championships come to Oklahoma State Fair Park. Put on by the Barrel Futurities of…
• Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant (Edmond) Thru Sun, Dec 9th The Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant has been an annual gift from Boys Ranch Town to the community and visitors…
• 🎭 A Christmas Carol (Rose State College - Midwest City) Start Time: 10:00am A Christmas Carol is a ghost of a tale about the mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge-a businessman who believes charity promotes idleness and the poor should...
• 🎭 A Christmas Story The Musical (The Sooner Theatre - Norman) Start Time: 7:30pm BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!! This musical, which received rave reviews on its Broadway run, is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on...
• City of Del City Christmas Tree Lighting (Del City Community Center - Del City) Start Time: 6:00pm Come and Join the City of Del City and The Del City Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. This is a great event for the whole...
• ♪ Combsy + Henna Roso: Metro Music Series (ACM @ UCO - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Tickets are $10. Chris Combs, guitarist, composer and member of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, offers his debut, self-titled solo album, “Combsy.” “Combsy”...
• A Down Home Christmas presented by A Gypsy and A Cowgirl (Firelake Arena - Shawnee) Start Time: 6:00pm Shop before Christmas! Vintage items, repurposed, antiques, hand crafted, specialty boutique items and more! VIP Night - December 7th $10 entry Live...
• First Friday Gallery Walk (Paseo Arts District - Oklahoma City) The First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District occurs on the first Friday of every month. Friday night visitors…
• 😂 Greg Morton (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2
• Heavenly Holidays (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Liven up the holiday season and attend a performance of "Heavenly Holidays" at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.…
• Home for the Holidays: A Gift of American Dance (Kirkpatrick Auditorium - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 9th Get in the rhythm of the holidays with a Broadway-style dance extravaganza at Oklahoma City University. Come marvel at…
• Hyborian and Bummer (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Hyborian with Bummer $10 Hyborian Riffy, thrashy, doomy, metal. Record Label: Season of Mist https://www.facebook.com/HyborianRock/...
• 🎓 ILLUMINATIONS: A Northern Lights Experience in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 6:00pm Presented by OGE Energy Corp. November 23 – January 2 Evenings Enjoy a new take on holiday lighting inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory beginning November 23 through January 2nd. Professional designers using the latest lighting technology are taking our holiday display to the next level, beyond strings of lights. Bring your…
• 🎨 Inclusion in Art (Oklahoma City Museum of Art - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm The Art Hall is pleased to announce the opening of its next exhibition, organized by local group Inclusion in Art, on December 7, 2018, from 6-9pm.
  On this special evening, the gallery will also host a book signing with local author Julia Fresonke. Julia's new book "Seven Months in Brazil" will be available for purchase.
  Enjoy deliciously…
  
• John Fullbright in Concert (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Oklahoma musician John Fullbright returns to his home state for a concert at the Blue Door in Oklahoma City. The…
  
• 🎭 Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY By Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon Showing in the Burg Theatre at Oklahoma City University A sequel to Jane...
  
• Myriad Kitchen: Holiday Dessert (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Friday, December 7, 6-7:30pm Member $20; Nonmember $27 Pam Patty, RD/LD, Community Wellness Dietician for Integris Health; Oklahoma Master Gardener REGISTER HERE Holidays in the kitchen are cherished memories. In this “make, take, and bake” workshop, the smell of Deep Dish Artisan Apple Pie will fill the room as you handcraft the crust from…
  
• ♪ OCU Eagles: 40th Annual Twilight OCU Christmas Vespers Concert (Oklahoma City First Presbyterian Church - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm More than 250 choral singers and orchestral musicians will join forces Friday, Dec. 7, for a seasonal celebration encompassing Scripture reading, poetry,...
  
• 🍴 Open for Lunch! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 11:30am Starting Black Friday you can enjoy The Melting Pot all day long! We will be opening our doors at 11:30 am every day until December 23. Make your reservation today!
  
• 😂 Open Mic Night (Don Quixote Club - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm Every Friday is open mic comedy at Don Quixote's! Come see Oklahoma City's up and coming talent. If you're a comedian, sign up begins at 7:30. Show at 8. Stick around for the best karaoke in the city.
  
• ♪ Pancho Barraza (The Criterion - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm
  
• 🎭 Scrooge In Rouge - Christmas Show At The Boom (The Boom - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• 🎓 State of the Aerospace Defense Industry (Sheraton - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 11:00am Host Sponsor Signature Event Sponsors State of the Aerospace Defense Industry Date: 12/07/2018 Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Location: Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at The Reed Conference Center 5750 Will Rogers Road Midwest City, OK 73110 Map to Event Add to My Calendar Aerospace plays a key role in the Greater Oklahoma City economy. At this annual…
  
• ♪ Surreptitious: The After Work Social Mixer (Avenue 101 - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm $10 Fishbowls $3 Hennessy Black $1 Beers $10 Hookah ($5 the 1st Hour) 3 Wine ::NO COVER::
  

Saturday, Dec 8th

• 🏆 All College Classic (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 11:00am Children ages 2 and up must have a ticket.
• Backwoods Country Music Show (The Centre Theatre - El Reno) Come to the historic Centre Theatre in downtown El Reno to experience the Backwoods Country Music Show. Featuring…
• Barrel Racing Futurity World Championship (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Last Day The annual Barrel Racing Futurity World Championships come to Oklahoma State Fair Park. Put on by the Barrel Futurities of…
• Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant (Edmond) 1 day left The Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant has been an annual gift from Boys Ranch Town to the community and visitors…
• Christmas Express (Oklahoma Railway Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Dec 22nd Get in the holiday spirit with a festive ride on the Christmas Express. Board this Oklahoma City train to make holiday…
• Creative Christmas Craft Show (Cleveland County Fairgrounds - Norman) Bring your list and check it twice at the Creative Christmas Craft Show in Norman. Held within the Cleveland County…
• 😂 Greg Morton (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2
• Heartland Hunnies Craft & Vendor Show (Yukon) Shoppers are sure to find a little bit of everything at the Heartland Hunnies Craft & Vendor Show. This…
• Heavenly Holidays (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Liven up the holiday season and attend a performance of "Heavenly Holidays" at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.…
• Hip Hop Nutcracker (OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Ring in the holidays with a fun remix of a Christmas classic at RACE Dance Company's production of the Hip Hop…
• Home for the Holidays: A Gift of American Dance (Kirkpatrick Auditorium - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Get in the rhythm of the holidays with a Broadway-style dance extravaganza at Oklahoma City University. Come marvel at…
• Indie Trunk Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) The Indie Trunk Show in Oklahoma City is all about the local crafters, artists and businesses of Oklahoma. Browse through…
• John Fullbright in Concert (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Oklahoma musician John Fullbright returns to his home state for a concert at the Blue Door in Oklahoma City. The…
• Norman Main Street Christmas Holiday Parade (Downtown - Norman) Jack Frost may be nipping at your nose, but you won't want to miss this Norman holiday tradition. The Norman Main Street…
• Nighttime Lighted Parade & Fireworks Show (Downtown - Kingfisher) Bundle up, grab your camera and get into the holiday spirit this December for Kingfisher's Nighttme Lighted Parade &…
• R.K. Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 For a high quality gun show with great prices and selection, visit the R.K. Gun Show in Oklahoma City. Held at Oklahoma…
• 🏃 Sandridge Santa Run (Leadership Square - Oklahoma City) Whether you run or walk, the entire family will enjoy some holiday fun and fitness at the Downtown in December SandRidge Santa Run. The SandRidge Santa Run includes a 5K run, and One-Mile Fun Run, as well as cash prizes for best costumed runners. http://downtownindecember.com/sandridge-santa-run/
• Sesame Street Live! Elmo & Friends Meet & Greet! From 2:00pm-2:30pm (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 11:00am Meet Elmo and his friends on stage on one of the world's most recognizable streets!
  With a ticket to this Meet & Greet experience, you can count on the following: • Meet and take photos with Elmo and two (2) of his friends before the show.* • Walk on stage and experience Sesame Street - everyone's favorite street! ** • Participate in a…
  
• Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 11:00am Any child who has had their first birthday must have a ticket.
  When magician extraordinaire Justin visits Sesame Street to put on a magic show for the whole neighborhood, Elmo wants to be part of the big event. But there's one problem...Elmo doesn't know how to do magic! That's when Elmo teams up with Abby and Justin, embarking on an amazing…
  
• Victorian Homes Tour (Historic Guthrie - Guthrie) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Go back in time with a close-up view of Guthrie's historic architecture on the Victorian Homes Tour. The tour…
  

Sunday, Dec 9th

• Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant (Edmond) Last Day The Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant has been an annual gift from Boys Ranch Town to the community and visitors…
• 🎭 Brian Regan (The Criterion - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Gather your whole crew and head to Bricktown for an evening of family-friendly laughs when comedy legend Brian Regan takes…
• Christmas Express (Oklahoma Railway Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Dec 22nd Get in the holiday spirit with a festive ride on the Christmas Express. Board this Oklahoma City train to make holiday…
• Fort Reno Christmas Guns (Historic Fort Reno - El Reno) Quite literally a blast from the past, Fort Reno Christmas Guns is a tradition brought here by German immigrants. The…
• Heavenly Holidays (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Liven up the holiday season and attend a performance of "Heavenly Holidays" at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.…
• Hip Hop Nutcracker (OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Ring in the holidays with a fun remix of a Christmas classic at RACE Dance Company's production of the Hip Hop…
• Home for the Holidays: A Gift of American Dance (Kirkpatrick Auditorium - Oklahoma City) Last Day Get in the rhythm of the holidays with a Broadway-style dance extravaganza at Oklahoma City University. Come marvel at…
• R.K. Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 For a high quality gun show with great prices and selection, visit the R.K. Gun Show in Oklahoma City. Held at Oklahoma…
• Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 11:00am Any child who has had their first birthday must have a ticket.
  When magician extraordinaire Justin visits Sesame Street to put on a magic show for the whole neighborhood, Elmo wants to be part of the big event. But there's one problem...Elmo doesn't know how to do magic! That's when Elmo teams up with Abby and Justin, embarking on an amazing…
  
• Victorian Homes Tour (Historic Guthrie - Guthrie) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Go back in time with a close-up view of Guthrie's historic architecture on the Victorian Homes Tour. The tour…
  

Monday, Dec 10th

• Christmas Express (Oklahoma Railway Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Dec 22nd Get in the holiday spirit with a festive ride on the Christmas Express. Board this Oklahoma City train to make holiday…
• Heavenly Holidays (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Liven up the holiday season and attend a performance of "Heavenly Holidays" at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.…
• 🏆 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Experience the thrill of fast-paced pro basketball as the Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Utah Jazz. Wear your blue and…
• Victorian Homes Tour (Historic Guthrie - Guthrie) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Go back in time with a close-up view of Guthrie's historic architecture on the Victorian Homes Tour. The tour…

Tuesday, Dec 11th

• Christmas Express (Oklahoma Railway Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Dec 22nd Get in the holiday spirit with a festive ride on the Christmas Express. Board this Oklahoma City train to make holiday…
• Heavenly Holidays (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Liven up the holiday season and attend a performance of "Heavenly Holidays" at the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond.…
• Victorian Homes Tour (Historic Guthrie - Guthrie) Thru Sat, Dec 15th Go back in time with a close-up view of Guthrie's historic architecture on the Victorian Homes Tour. The tour…

See Also

• OK Gamers
• Techlahoma

Oklahoma City's event list.

Wednesday, Nov 21st

• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Nov 24th Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more…
• ♪ Broncho 'Bad Behavior' Album Release Party (Film Row - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm BRONCHO performing on our outdoor stage the night before Thanksgiving. Join us for the ‘Bad Behavior’ hometown album release party…
• Cannibal Corpse in Concert (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Death metal band Cannibal Corpse originated in 1988, and since then, the band has released fourteen full-length albums. Fans…
• Dungeons & Dragons (Edmond Unplugged - Edmond) Start Time: 7:00pm A City on the Edge with Ashley King No Cost Beginners and experienced players welcome Pre-made characters will be available No outside food…
• ♪ Liquid Stranger (Farmer's Market - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• ♪ Live Music- Justin Witte (Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• 🍴 Plan Your Holiday Party Now! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Nov 23rd Start Time: 5:00pm Plan your holiday party now and receive a free Hostess Gift!
  ‘Tis the season. Let The Melting Pot take away the stress of party…
  
• 🏆 Pluck The Turkey (Remington Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Wednesday Game Night in the Remington Park Casino gets you in the spirit for Thanksgiving as you get the chance to "Pluck The Turkey" for…
  
• 🏆 Wednesday Game Night (Remington Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Play the games you love for jackpots and then play more games you love for Extra Cash & Prizes on Game Night at Remington Park, every…
  
• With Confidence & Broadside in Concert (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm With Confidence and Broadside will amp up 89th Street with a punch of pop punk sound. With Confidence will deliver tracks…
  

Thursday, Nov 22nd

• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Nov 24th Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more…
• ♪ Cranberry Jam with The Great Divide (Firelake Arena - Shawnee) Start Time: 8:00pm Jackson Tillman
• Downs Family Christmas Lights (Down's Family Christmas Light Ministry - Norman) Thru Tue, Jan 1st The Downs Family Christmas Lights in Norman is one of the most spectacular light displays at a private residence in…
• ♪ Hosty (VZD's - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• Lights From the Heart (Purcell Lake - Purcell) Thru Tue, Jan 1st Set your gaze upon a holiday wonderland at Lights From the Heart in Purcell. On this 1.5-mile drive around Purcell Lake…
• NRHA Futurity & Adequan Championship Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 2nd The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), with its international headquarters in Oklahoma City, presents one of the…
• 🏃 OKC Turkey Tracks 5K (Downtown - Oklahoma City) Bring the whole family and celebrate a holiday tradition with a pre-feast run while supporting our US Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation…
• 🍴 Plan Your Holiday Party Now! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 5:00pm Plan your holiday party now and receive a free Hostess Gift!
  ‘Tis the season. Let The Melting Pot take away the stress of party…
  
• Rising Stars Calf Roping Finals (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Nov 25th Witness the action as 500 of the most talented young ropers from across the country compete in roping events. Ropers…
  
• Saints Sessions (Saints - Oklahoma City) Head to the Plaza District each Thursday for an evening of Saints Sessions programming. Visit Saints Pub in Oklahoma City on…
  
• 🍴 Thanksgiving Dinner (Mary Eddy's Kitchen x Lounge - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 11:30am Give thanks with friends and family this year without spending all day in the kitchen. Head downtown to Mary Eddy’s for a meal full of…
  
• 🎓 Moore Toastmasters (1st United Methodist Church - Moore) Start Time: 7:00pm Do you cringe at the thought of being in front of a room communicating? Maybe you have no idea how to construct your thoughts for your next…
  
• 🏃 Turkey Day 5K (Pickard Ave. - East of the Norman High School - Norman) Turkey Day 5K is a non profit run held on Thanksgiving Day to benefit long term tornado recovery. All proceeds from this years race will…
  
• Turkey Day 5K (Norman High School - Norman) Work up an appetite for a hearty Thanksgiving meal at Norman's annual Turkey Day 5K. Taking off from Main Street,…
  
• Edmond Turkey Trot (Downtown Edmond Community Center - Edmond) Lace up your running shoes and visit downtown Edmond on Thanksgiving morning for the Turkey Trot. This 5K run and one mile…
  
• 🏃 Edmond Turkey Trot 5k/1 Mile Wobble (Downtown - Edmond) Bring the entire family and race through the 5K Run or breeze through the 1 Mile Wobble. See details and register now at…
  

Friday, Nov 23rd

• 🎓 Edmond Ambucs Friday Luncheon (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 12:00pm The Edmond Chapter Ambucs “creating mobility & independence for people with disabilities” hosts a weekly luncheon every Friday. Please…
• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more…
• Andy Alligator's Black Friday Fun Day! (Andy Alligator's Fun Park & Water Park - Norman) Start Time: 11:00am Andy Alligator's is in the giving spirit with our Black Friday Fun Day! On Friday, November 23rd, get a $100 gift card for ONLY $50! That's…
• 🏆 Oklahoma City Blue vs. Iowa Wolves (Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 2:00pm The Oklahoma City Blue host the Iowa Wolves. Camera Policy: Personal "point and shoot" cameras are allowed, however professional cameras…
• Bone Thugs-N-Harmony in Concert (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm Join legendary rap collective Bone Thugs-N-Harmony for one very special evening as they take over Diamond Ballroom in…
• Bricktown Tree Lighting Festival (3rd Base Plaza - Oklahoma City) Enjoy food, live music and festival activities at the exciting Bricktown Tree Lighting Festival. The festive occasion will…
• A Christmas Carol (Lyric at the Plaza - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 24th A spectacular new Oklahoma holiday tradition returns with Lyric Theatre's production of the Charles Dickens classic,…
• 😂 Cody Woods (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2
• Downs Family Christmas Lights (Down's Family Christmas Light Ministry - Norman) Thru Tue, Jan 1st The Downs Family Christmas Lights in Norman is one of the most spectacular light displays at a private residence in…
• Holiday in the Park (Starlight Amphitheater @ Frontier City - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 6th Experience the magic of a million lights sparkling throughout Frontier City Theme Park. At the annual Holiday in the Park…
• Holiday Pop-Up Shops (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Venture over to Midtown in Oklahoma City during the winter holidays, and gaze in wonder at the geodesic dome city overtaking…
• 🎓 ILLUMINATIONS: A Northern Lights Experience in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Nov 25th Start Time: 6:00pm Presented by OGE Energy Corp. November 23 – January 2 Evenings Enjoy a new take on holiday lighting inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical…
• It's a Wonderful Life (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Get in the Christmas spirit with the enchanting performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”…
• Lights From the Heart (Purcell Lake - Purcell) Thru Tue, Jan 1st Set your gaze upon a holiday wonderland at Lights From the Heart in Purcell. On this 1.5-mile drive around Purcell Lake…
• Limo Holiday Lights Tours (Citywide - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 31st Schedule a two-hour tour of the city's most spectacular holiday lights via limo, and enjoy a smooth ride past vibrant…
• NRHA Futurity & Adequan Championship Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 2nd The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), with its international headquarters in Oklahoma City, presents one of the…
• 🍴 Open for Lunch! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Nov 26th Start Time: 11:30am Starting Black Friday you can enjoy The Melting Pot all day long! We will be opening our doors at 11:30 am every day until December 23.…
• 😂 Open Mic Night (Don Quixote Club - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm Every Friday is open mic comedy at Don Quixote's! Come see Oklahoma City's up and coming talent. If you're a comedian, sign up begins at…
• 🍴 Plan Your Holiday Party Now! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 5:00pm Plan your holiday party now and receive a free Hostess Gift!
  ‘Tis the season. Let The Melting Pot take away the stress of party…
  
• Rising Stars Calf Roping Finals (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Nov 25th Witness the action as 500 of the most talented young ropers from across the country compete in roping events. Ropers…
  
• 🎭 Scrooge In Rouge - Christmas Show At The Boom (The Boom - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm
  
• ♪ Surreptitious: The After Work Social Mixer (Avenue 101 - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm $10 Fishbowls $3 Hennessy Black $1 Beers $10 Hookah ($5 the 1st Hour) 3 Wine ::NO COVER::
  
• 🏆 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Hornets (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Experience the thrill of fast-paced pro basketball as the Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Charlotte Hornets. Wear your…
  

Saturday, Nov 24th

• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more…
• Backwoods Country Music Show (The Centre Theatre - El Reno) Come to the historic Centre Theatre in downtown El Reno to experience the Backwoods Country Music Show. Featuring…
• ♪ The Byron Berline Band in Concert (Double Stop Music Hall - Guthrie) Start Time: 7:00pm Enjoy and evening of award winning Bluegrass Music by the Byron Berline Band. Homemade pie from Manna Eatery avaliable at intermission
• A Christmas Carol (Lyric at the Plaza - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 24th A spectacular new Oklahoma holiday tradition returns with Lyric Theatre's production of the Charles Dickens classic,…
• 😂 Cody Woods (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2
• Deep Deuce Sessions (Deep Deuce - Oklahoma City) Best known for its rich history steeped in jazz and blues, the Deep Deuce District has recently revived its historic music…
• Deluxe Winter Market (Leadership Square - Oklahoma City) Deluxe Winter Market is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Oklahoma City. This craft market features wares from more…
• Downs Family Christmas Lights (Down's Family Christmas Light Ministry - Norman) Thru Tue, Jan 1st The Downs Family Christmas Lights in Norman is one of the most spectacular light displays at a private residence in…
• 🏃 Gardens Walking Tour (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00am Last Saturday of the Month, 10-11am Meet in the North Lobby and Walk the Garden Grounds FREE Walkups Welcome Geared towards adults, children…
• Holiday in the Park (Starlight Amphitheater @ Frontier City - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 6th Experience the magic of a million lights sparkling throughout Frontier City Theme Park. At the annual Holiday in the Park…
• Holiday Pop-Up Shops (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Venture over to Midtown in Oklahoma City during the winter holidays, and gaze in wonder at the geodesic dome city overtaking…
• Honoring the Beat of Life Powwow (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Head to the Honoring the Beat of Life Powwow at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. Plan to attend and witness a…
• 🎓 ILLUMINATIONS: A Northern Lights Experience in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 6:00pm Presented by OGE Energy Corp. November 23 – January 2 Evenings Enjoy a new take on holiday lighting inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical…
• It's a Wonderful Life (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Get in the Christmas spirit with the enchanting performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”…
• ♪ Jamie Bramble Fan Page (Full Circle Bookstore - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm
• ♪ Jay Allen with special guest Kylie Morgan (The Palace Event Center - El Reno) Start Time: 7:30pm Headliner: Jay Allen Opener: Kylie Morgan
• ♪ Kierston White (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• Lights From the Heart (Purcell Lake - Purcell) Thru Tue, Jan 1st Set your gaze upon a holiday wonderland at Lights From the Heart in Purcell. On this 1.5-mile drive around Purcell Lake…
• Limo Holiday Lights Tours (Citywide - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 31st Schedule a two-hour tour of the city's most spectacular holiday lights via limo, and enjoy a smooth ride past vibrant…
• Midnight Star & Atlantic Starr in Concert (Riverwind Casino - Norman) Start Time: 7:00pm Hear powerhouse vocals and plenty of harmonies as Midnight Star and Atlantic Starr take the stage at Riverwind Casino. Pack…
• ♪ My So Called Band (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00pm
• ♪ NO SHOW - Thanksgiving Weekend (Rodeo Opry - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• NRHA Futurity & Adequan Championship Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 2nd The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), with its international headquarters in Oklahoma City, presents one of the…
• Oklahoma Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 The Oklahoma Gun Show in the Modern Living building of Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City is sure to have the…
• 🍴 Open for Lunch! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Nov 26th Start Time: 11:30am Starting Black Friday you can enjoy The Melting Pot all day long! We will be opening our doors at 11:30 am every day until December 23.…
• Rising Stars Calf Roping Finals (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) 1 day left Witness the action as 500 of the most talented young ropers from across the country compete in roping events. Ropers…
• 🎭 Scrooge In Rouge - Christmas Show At The Boom (The Boom - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 8:00pm
• Shop Small in the Plaza with Google #SmallThanks (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 12:00pm Join us at Google’s #SmallThanks party in the 16th Street Plaza District, celebrating our…
• A Territorial Christmas Celebration (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Step back in time at A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Guthrie with a live theatre production, historic home tours,…
• 🏆 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Experience the thrill of fast-paced pro basketball as the Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Denver Nuggets. Wear your blue…
• Wade Tower in Concert (Grand Casino Hotel & Resort - Shawnee) Entertainer Wade Tower will croon to the crowd at Grand Casino Hotel & Resort. See this seasoned, charismatic performer…
• ♪ What She Said (Newcastle Casino - Newcastle) Start Time: 8:00pm Featuring strong vocals, rhythm guitar and lead guitar, the What She Said duo artists play acoustic rock cover songs.
• Kingfisher Winter Nights (Kingifhser City Park - Kingfisher) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Millions of lights are setting historic Kingfisher Park ablaze in the city of Kingfisher. Every evening from November…

Sunday, Nov 25th

• A Christmas Carol (Lyric at the Plaza - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 24th A spectacular new Oklahoma holiday tradition returns with Lyric Theatre's production of the Charles Dickens classic,…
• ♪ Clancy Jones (Lost Highway - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm
• Downs Family Christmas Lights (Down's Family Christmas Light Ministry - Norman) Thru Tue, Jan 1st The Downs Family Christmas Lights in Norman is one of the most spectacular light displays at a private residence in…
• Holiday in the Park (Starlight Amphitheater @ Frontier City - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 6th Experience the magic of a million lights sparkling throughout Frontier City Theme Park. At the annual Holiday in the Park…
• Holiday Pop-Up Shops (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Venture over to Midtown in Oklahoma City during the winter holidays, and gaze in wonder at the geodesic dome city overtaking…
• 🎓 ILLUMINATIONS: A Northern Lights Experience in the Crystal Bridge Conservatory (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 6:00pm Presented by OGE Energy Corp. November 23 – January 2 Evenings Enjoy a new take on holiday lighting inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical…
• It's a Wonderful Life (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Get in the Christmas spirit with the enchanting performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”…
• Lights From the Heart (Purcell Lake - Purcell) Thru Tue, Jan 1st Set your gaze upon a holiday wonderland at Lights From the Heart in Purcell. On this 1.5-mile drive around Purcell Lake…
• Limo Holiday Lights Tours (Citywide - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 31st Schedule a two-hour tour of the city's most spectacular holiday lights via limo, and enjoy a smooth ride past vibrant…
• NRHA Futurity & Adequan Championship Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 2nd The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), with its international headquarters in Oklahoma City, presents one of the…
• Oklahoma Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 The Oklahoma Gun Show in the Modern Living building of Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City is sure to have the…
• 🍴 Open for Lunch! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 11:30am Starting Black Friday you can enjoy The Melting Pot all day long! We will be opening our doors at 11:30 am every day until December 23.…
• Rising Stars Calf Roping Finals (Lazy E Arena - Guthrie) Last Day Witness the action as 500 of the most talented young ropers from across the country compete in roping events. Ropers…
• A Territorial Christmas Celebration (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Step back in time at A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Guthrie with a live theatre production, historic home tours,…
• Kingfisher Winter Nights (Kingifhser City Park - Kingfisher) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Millions of lights are setting historic Kingfisher Park ablaze in the city of Kingfisher. Every evening from November…

Monday, Nov 26th

• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more…
• A Christmas Carol (Lyric at the Plaza - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 24th A spectacular new Oklahoma holiday tradition returns with Lyric Theatre's production of the Charles Dickens classic,…
• Community Tree Lighting (Midwest City Community Center - Midwest City) Kick off the holiday season at the Community Tree Lighting in Midwest City. Each holiday season, the Mayor of Midwest City,…
• Downs Family Christmas Lights (Down's Family Christmas Light Ministry - Norman) Thru Tue, Jan 1st The Downs Family Christmas Lights in Norman is one of the most spectacular light displays at a private residence in…
• Holiday in the Park (Starlight Amphitheater @ Frontier City - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 6th Experience the magic of a million lights sparkling throughout Frontier City Theme Park. At the annual Holiday in the Park…
• Holiday Pop-Up Shops (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Venture over to Midtown in Oklahoma City during the winter holidays, and gaze in wonder at the geodesic dome city overtaking…
• It's a Wonderful Life (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Get in the Christmas spirit with the enchanting performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”…
• Lights From the Heart (Purcell Lake - Purcell) Thru Tue, Jan 1st Set your gaze upon a holiday wonderland at Lights From the Heart in Purcell. On this 1.5-mile drive around Purcell Lake…
• Like Moths to Flames in Concert (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City) Like Moths to Flames hit the hardcore scene in 2010, and since their inception, the band has released four studio albums.…
• Limo Holiday Lights Tours (Citywide - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 31st Schedule a two-hour tour of the city's most spectacular holiday lights via limo, and enjoy a smooth ride past vibrant…
• NRHA Futurity & Adequan Championship Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 2nd The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), with its international headquarters in Oklahoma City, presents one of the…
• 🍴 Open for Lunch! (The Melting Pot - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 11:30am Starting Black Friday you can enjoy The Melting Pot all day long! We will be opening our doors at 11:30 am every day until December 23.…
• A Territorial Christmas Celebration (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Step back in time at A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Guthrie with a live theatre production, historic home tours,…
• Kingfisher Winter Nights (Kingifhser City Park - Kingfisher) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Millions of lights are setting historic Kingfisher Park ablaze in the city of Kingfisher. Every evening from November…

Tuesday, Nov 27th

• A Christmas Carol (Lyric at the Plaza - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 24th A spectacular new Oklahoma holiday tradition returns with Lyric Theatre's production of the Charles Dickens classic,…
• Downs Family Christmas Lights (Down's Family Christmas Light Ministry - Norman) Thru Tue, Jan 1st The Downs Family Christmas Lights in Norman is one of the most spectacular light displays at a private residence in…
• Food Truck Tuesdays (Jackson - Blanchard) Every week, treat your taste buds to new flavors. During Food Truck Tuesdays, a different food truck will park in Blanchard…
• Holiday in the Park (Starlight Amphitheater @ Frontier City - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Jan 6th Experience the magic of a million lights sparkling throughout Frontier City Theme Park. At the annual Holiday in the Park…
• Holiday Pop-Up Shops (Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Venture over to Midtown in Oklahoma City during the winter holidays, and gaze in wonder at the geodesic dome city overtaking…
• It's a Wonderful Life (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Sun, Dec 23rd Get in the Christmas spirit with the enchanting performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”…
• Lights From the Heart (Purcell Lake - Purcell) Thru Tue, Jan 1st Set your gaze upon a holiday wonderland at Lights From the Heart in Purcell. On this 1.5-mile drive around Purcell Lake…
• Limo Holiday Lights Tours (Citywide - Oklahoma City) Thru Mon, Dec 31st Schedule a two-hour tour of the city's most spectacular holiday lights via limo, and enjoy a smooth ride past vibrant…
• 🏆 North Texas Mean Green Men's Basketball at Oklahoma Sooners Mens Basketball (The Lloyd Noble Center - Norman) Start Time: 7:00pm
• NRHA Futurity & Adequan Championship Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Dec 2nd The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), with its international headquarters in Oklahoma City, presents one of the…
• OU Sooners vs North Texas Eagles (The Lloyd Noble Center - Norman) Experience the action and excitement in Norman as the Oklahoma Sooners take on the North Texas Eagles. Since the team's…
• A Territorial Christmas Celebration (Pollard Theatre - Guthrie) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Step back in time at A Territorial Christmas Celebration in Guthrie with a live theatre production, historic home tours,…
• Kingfisher Winter Nights (Kingifhser City Park - Kingfisher) Thru Mon, Dec 24th Millions of lights are setting historic Kingfisher Park ablaze in the city of Kingfisher. Every evening from November…

See Also

• OK Gamers
• Techlahoma

2018 Ultimate Playing Card Holiday Gift Guide

NB: I posted an off-site link to this last week, but figured I'd just re-post the entire Gift Guide here. I've edited it slightly, and also included some information about Black Friday specials.
The end-of-year holiday period is just around the corner. And for many of us, holidays means gift-giving and gift-getting. As they say, it is better to give than to receive. But we all know that receiving gifts is great too, especially if it involves playing cards! Playing cards make great gifts, if when carefully selected to suit the tastes and style of the person that you're buying for.
It's always good to plan ahead, and to think about the kinds of playing cards that would make good gifts for others. But we also have to think about the kinds of gifts that others will be buying for us, because we really don't want Uncle Bob or cousin Mary getting us yet another unwanted pair of socks, toiletry set, or ugly t-shirt. So let's be smart about this: a well-timed and careful whisper in the right person's ear can help get things moving so that a lovely deck of custom playing cards ends up heading our way these holidays.
We're in this together, and at the suggestion of the good folks over at PlayingCardDecks.com I have done some hard work for you by putting together this 2018 Ultimate Playing Card Holiday Gift Guide. It's not a comprehensive list, nor is it intended to say that these decks are necessarily the "best" or the only ones out there - so please don't go screaming about decks that aren't on this list. I haven't seen every single deck that's come out in the last year or two, and obviously these are my own choices based on my own personal experience - you might suggest others that are equally as good. But it will give you some great ideas for playing cards you can pick up as gifts. It's also the kind of thing you can post on your social media, or email a link to your family and friends, as a small hint of what they might want to consider getting for you. This is really about showing them love by making their job easier in finding you the perfect gift, right?!
So whether you're a keen playing card enthusiast already, or whether someone in your life sent you a link to this list as a not-so-subtle hint, I'm here to help you out. I'm confident there's something on here for almost everyone. I've especially focused on playing cards that were released in 2018, but haven't limited myself to that entirely, because I want to give you lots of choices.
PS: Don't miss the very bottom of this Gift Guide, where you'll find some great promo codes for the upcoming Black Friday weekend, which will give you up to 25% off the regular price for these decks!

For the Card Gamer

Once in a while, what you're looking for in a deck of playing cards is pure class. Whether it's for playing a game of poker or for a game of traditional cards, it's nice to have a deck that looks classy and sophisticated from the moment that its tuck box makes its first appearance. And when the cards do emerge from the box, the feeling of refinement is only confirmed by the classic beauty and style within. If you are looking for something sophisticated and elegant that is also very functional, with clearly recognizable indices and suits, the decks in this category are for you. These decks are practical, while at the same time making a stylish statement.
● Visa Playing Cards (2017) - These lovely decks (available in several colours) have a luxurious look from the tuck box onwards, and the metallic gold and silver used for the card backs and court cards makes them look super stylish and elegant.
● Cobra Playing Cards (2018) - The tuck case immediately impresses with blind embossing and gold foil, with serpents decorating both the box and the fronts and backs of the cards, and a graphic design that is just all round classy. Courtesy of Cartamundi's B9 Cardistry Finish, the cards are supremely soft and inviting, while still having a standard look that ensures they are very practical.
● Hudson Playing Cards (2018) - This recent release is a tribute to the Hudson Playing Cards that were produced alongside the Hudson River until the factory wound up operations in 1871. While the card faces are fairly standard, the card backs are very stylish, and the tuck box - as to be expected from Theory11 - is super classy, with extensive use of foil accents and embossing.

For the Cardist

Card flourishing has a long history in the magic industry, but in recent years the art cardistry has developed an independent existence, and is gaining legitimacy as an art-form in its own right. For best results, cardistry benefits from a deck of cards that is colourful and has striking patterns, which will enhance the visual aesthetics of card flourishing. These cards need not necessarily be very functional for playing games or card magic - although often they can serve a dual purpose of being used for this as well. But of primary importance in card flourishing is the visual appeal, and having a design and pattern that looks great when the cards are being handled.
● Virtuoso FW17 Playing Cards (2017) - When it comes to cardistry, it's hard to look past one of the dominant forces in this growing art-form: The Virts. Based in Singapore, they were the first produce a deck entirely optimized for cardistry, and their Fall/Winter deck is the latest version of their popular and smooth performing series.
● School of Cardistry v4 Playing Cards (2018) - Any mention of cardistry is hardly going to be complete without the lively presence of Jaspas Deck, the bubbly personality behind the New Deck Order and the School of Cardistry. This is the fourth edition of their deck, which continues their exploration of what they describe as a new standard for cardistry: non-standard faces that are all identical! Optimized entirely for cardistry, this hypnotic design and energetic purple and orange colours of this deck won't go unnoticed.
● NOC Summer v2 Playing Cards (2018) - The NOC decks have been popular with cardists for half a dozen years already, since their minimalist design is ideal for the simplicity and elegance of card flourishing. For the summer of 2018, these snappy decks were released in three great new colours: blue, orange, and a limited edition pink.

For the Collector

There are people who collect decks out of sheer love for their variety and novelty - you may even be one of these people! The decks featured in this category are creative decks that have extra touches that make them particularly appealing to the card collector, such as an individually numbered tuck seal. They often have lavish tuck boxes, other intriguing features that generate interest, and have been produced by well-known designers with a solid reputation of creativity and success.
● Top Aces of WWI Playing Cards (2018) - One of the latest decks from popular designer Jody Eklund, noted for his attention to detail and history, comes a deck that is a tribute to the flying dare-devils of the first world war. As always, Jody's artwork is exquisite, and each court card features a notable historical figure from the era. In this Signature Edition each deck comes in an elegant tuck box that is individually numbered.
● House of the Rising Spade Playing Cards (2018) - Stockholm17 is a designer from Sweden with a large following, and this deck represents his latest effort to hit the market. A limited edition two deck set, it consists of two different decks: Cartomancer, which is a tribute to the tarot deck; and Faro, which features cards without indices and a one-way design, just like the vintage decks of the 1800s.
● Planets: Saturn Playing Cards (2018) - This is the sixth and newest addition that makes up the popular Planets series, representing all the planets in our solar system. The collector will be in love once he sees the luxurious tuck box, which is arguably the best yet, and features gold holographic foil, white foil, interior foiling, and embossing.

For the Connoisseur

At times we might be looking for something stylish and classy that we can use for anything involving playing cards, whether it is card magic or card games. The important thing is that we want to show class and style. Certainly the custom playing card industry has produced some very original and stylish decks, bursting with character and energy, while still having somewhat of a traditional or more serious look. Here are some examples of such classy decks that are on offer.
● Green Wheel Playing Cards (2018) - Green and brown are the dominant colours in this elegant deck, which has a lush split-pip design. The bicycle theme and look is inherited from its popular predecessors, the Red Wheel Playing Cards and Blue Wheel Playing Cards, which both have an elegant use of metallic inks, and which I also highly recommend.
● Aphelion Luxury Playing Cards (2018) - Created by Italian team Parama Playing Cards, this deck has a box that makes an instant statement of style with its gold foil and embossing, while the metallic gold inks of the court cards ensure that any standard deck placed alongside it looks very ordinary.
● Makers Blacksmith Playing Cards (2017) - From publishing house Art of Play comes one of the finest tuck boxes you'll see, with elegant gold and silver foil in intricate lines stamped all over a jet black box. Oh, and the cards are great too - highly detailed characters inhabit the court cards, with a simple black and red colour scheme emphasizing the customized artwork!

For the Magician

Magicians definitely have their secrets. Admittedly, most magicians prefer to work with a standard deck, and have developed such skills with sleight of hand that you can hand them an ordinary deck of quality playing cards and they can work miracles with it. But once in a while, there's a need to perform miracles of an extraordinary nature, and they're looking for something with that added extra that gives them the means to accomplish the impossible. Here are some specialized decks that will be ideal for anyone interested in serious card magic.
● Mechanic Optricks Red Playing Cards (2018) - This brand new release features card backs with hypnotic flip-book animation. Yes, really! But the real draw-card lies in the innovative gaffs that are included, especially the Optibox Gaff (makes your tuck box look empty even when there's a full deck inside), and the Anamorphic Gaff (creates an optical illusion that a card is being seen right through the deck!).
● Marked Maiden Back Playing Cards (2017) - Don't tell anyone, because it is top secret, but yes, marked decks are really a thing - but only for card magic, not for cheating! This looks like an ordinary Bicycle deck, but the markings are very easy to read, so you don't have to strain to figure them out or decipher them, and many consider it the best modern marked deck for exactly that reason.
● Bicycle Magic Playing Cards (2018) - This deck isn't so much a deck to be used for card magic, as it is a tribute to the art of magic itself. The card backs and faces include mischievous imps, along with various items long associated with magic, like wands, top hats, gloves, and dice, while the court cards feature delightful images depicting different magic acts. The art style/colours have a distinctly vintage feel, making this an ideal collector's piece for a magician to appreciate.

For the Artist

Even if you're not an artist, you can still enjoy something that is artistic. A deck of playing cards is the perfect canvas for showcasing some colourful and artistic designs, whether they have been created by famous artists, or by artists who have just used playing cards as their chosen medium to create something colourful and beautiful.
● Mondrian Broadway Playing Cards (2018) - These playing cards pay tribute to famous Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, and the card back design is based on his 1943 work "Broadway Boogie Woogie", which expresses his fascination with New York. Colourful and playful, it is ideally suited to card flourishing.
● Untitled Playing Cards (2018) - Along with the sequel Untitled V2 `Reflections' Playing Cards (2018), this vibrant deck was created by noted photographer Adam Borderline. It is a tribute to abstract art, as well as to the creativity and fluid motion that are essential to cardistry.
● Masterpieces Playing Cards (2017) - More than a deck of cards, this is a miniature gallery of individual works of art. Created by Bocopo Playing Cards, it was a collaboration that involved 8 artists, 348 hours of work, and 58 illustrations. Each face card has a unique and fresh design that is its own work of art, and tells a different story.

For the Animal Lover

Do you love animals? Or do you have an animal lover in your life? How about a deck featuring dogs, or cats, or else some great artwork of animals from around the world? These beautiful decks are sure to please anyone who appreciates our four legged friends, whether they are family pets or the kinds of animals you'd normally only see at the zoo.
● GAIA Playing Cards (2017) - With stunning and realistic artwork by talented young artist Ben Sinclair, these playing cards feature delightful hand-drawn pictures that showcases animals in different ecological habitats and biological communities. Amazing art, and a beautiful deck that is also available in a Moonlight Edition that offers a nocturnal perspective.
● The Dog Playing Cards - Friends of canines will love this deck, which features a close-up of a dog on every single card, not just the court cards. And each single card pictures a different dog, making this deck a real treat to look through! ● Sweet Cat Playing Cards - Created to help support abandoned cats, this is a deck that friends of felines will appreciate and enjoy. Much like the Dog deck, it features a gorgeous photo of a different furry friend on each and every card.

For the Children

Children especially like decks that are colourful, and that are lively and fun. Here we have some more light-hearted decks that are sure to amuse kids and adults alike. If you're looking for something playful, and that is designed to keep the inner child happy, then these are decks for you.
● Rainbow Unicorn Fun Time Playing Cards (2018) - This deck first started as a joke, but has gone on to become a legend in the card playing world, and has even appeared on TV. When noted cardist De'vo is involved, you know that it's going to be special, and this quality deck offers a whole lot more than rainbows and unicorns, and is fun for all ages!
● Chicken Playing Cards (2018) - I've been amazed by how popular this deck has proven with children and teenagers, who find the playful feathered friends pictured on this deck irresistible. A whimsical deck with extensive customization, the highlight has to be the delightful court cards, which feature our fowled friends in all manner of exalted poses.
● Sharks Are Wild Playing Cards (2017) - Aimed at preschoolers, this deck isn't just a collection of playing cards, but is also an award winning game, designed to help youngsters learn sequencing (i.e. counting forwards and backwards). It has colourful cards where various sea creatures replace the usual pips.

Novelty decks

I'm a real sucker for decks that look highly unusual, and have a great amount of novelty. Admittedly, not many of these are the kinds of decks that would quickly make it to the table for a card game, although many of them are certainly functional and playable. But the prime appeal of these kinds of playing cards is to the collector who appreciates the unusual elements that decks like these bring to the table. Here are some prime examples.
● Music Box Playing Cards (2017) - Novelty doesn't come much bigger than this: the Music Box deck doesn't just have the luxuries of gold foil, a custom numbered gold key, and a cherry wood look. This deck's real claim to fame is that it plays music! It has a unique tuck box design that plays 30 seconds of "Claire de Lune" when opened, and has the genuine sound of an old fashioned music box with a metal comb flicking over metal teeth.
● Burger Playing Cards (2017) - Part of the Deliciousness series from Flaminko Playing Cards, this deck celebrates the almighty burger. The design suggests two halves of a bun, complete with sesame seeds, which have a tactile feel courtesy of UV spot printing on the box. Each suit has been individually customized to depict foods that you'll find on an actual hamburger bun, including the patty, lettuce, tomato, and cheese!
● $100 Bill Gold Foil Playing Cards - Looking for high bling at a low price? The tuck box and all the cards in this deck are entirely made out of gold or silver foil, depending on which deck you choose. The card backs feature the image of a US $100 bill, and the shiny surface of gold or silver catches the light, and is sure to make an immediate impression of luxury. Yet all this shiny-ness can be yours for under $8!

Pink decks

Are looking for something with softer colours or a more feminine look? Just because they're heavy on pink doesn't mean that these decks are strictly "girlie" decks - guys might like them just as much! So regardless of whether you're male or female, if you're looking for something pretty in pink, you'll find something here for you.
● Sakura Spring Playing Cards (2018) - This unique all-pink deck is dedicated to the Japanese cherry blossom. It is entirely done in different shades of pink, with a simplified look that is a true exercise of harmony and beauty.
● Hanami Playing Cards (2018) - Another wonderful deck that captures the elegance of cherry blossoms, the Hanami deck features a palette of soft colours and a captivating design that will especially be appreciated and enjoyed by cardists.
● Madison Rounders Pink Playing Cards (2018) - Daniel Madison's highly popular series of Madison Rounders finally arrives in a colour that everyone has wanted to see: pink! Thin crush stock ensures that it handles as smoothly and softly as it looks.

In-House decks

Not only does PlayingCardDecks sell playing cards, but over the last couple of years the man at the helm of operations, Will Roya, has also used his expertise and experience in the magic industry and the playing card industry to produce a number of high quality custom decks. Here are several great decks that have been produced under the PlayingCardDecks banner in 2018.
● Ancient Warriors Playing Cards (2018) - This is great as a limited edition and matching two-deck set, one in a red/gold colour scheme, and the other in black/silver, with metallic inks. Each suit represents a different culture of ancient warriors (Crusaders, Japanese, Zulus, Aztecs), with gorgeous detail, and aspects of each civilization are also reflected on the Aces and pips.
● Strigiformes Owl Playing Cards (2018) - One of my favourite decks from 2018, this deck is full of owls. It has just the right colour combinations to give a true nocturnal feel, and the artwork is incredible, especially on the court cards. Every card has highly customized pips, along with intricate and ornate details, and a terrific graphic design.
● Royal Vortex Playing Cards (2018) - Looking for bling? Look no further! This deck was created in honour of PlayingCardDecks' first anniversary. To celebrate, it has a gold and black colour scheme on the card backs with an enormous amount of gold foil. The card backs are also designed to give the impression of a hypnotic and eye-catching optical illusion.

Licensed decks

It's amazing how many different decks have been created that are based on your favourite characters from TV shows, films, comics, books and more. You can check out the entire range of licensed decks, but here are some of my favourites.
● Bruce Lee Playing Cards (2018) - This is the second and completely revised edition of a deck that is a beautiful homage to a popular martial artist. The vivid black and yellow will appeal to cardists, and one notable feature of this updated deck is that each card features a different philosophical Bruce Lee quote in easy-to-read white capitals!
● Saturday Night Live Playing Cards (2017) - It's a famous TV Show, and now it's a deck of cards! All the customization in this deck is inspired by the show. And because it's a Theory11 deck, you can count on a spectacular tuck box, with lots of foil accents and embossing!
● Princess Bride Playing Cards (2014) - This deck is a wonderful tribute to the classic comedy film of the same name. The court cards all feature characters from the film, such as Westley, Princess Buttercup, Inigo Montoya, Vizzini, and the giant Fezzik, and include memorable lines from the film like "Prepare to Die!" and "Inconceivable!" The number cards are also absolutely exquisite, and the entire deck is heavily customized, really captures some of the magic of the film.

Vintage decks

Some of the most eye-catching decks are the ones which look the oldest - even though they are made of high quality playing cards that are brand new. Whether it's a result of a vintage or a deliberately distressed look, or whether they are a modern replica of a classic deck from the past, these decks look like they have arrived into the present straight from the past, and yet look and feel fantastic. You'll find more by checking out the full range of vintage decks.
● 1883 Murphy Varnish Playing Cards - This is a high quality replica of a 19th century deck originally created to promote Murphy Varnish. It is a famous transformation deck, which means that each card features clever artwork that incorporates the pips as part of a larger picture, which in this case is both entertaining and ingenious!
● 1889 Texan Playing Cards - Want an authentic look straight that's more than a hundred years old? The Texan deck was first printed in 1889, and USPCC has brought it back into circulation, using a yellowed tinting on the cards to give it an authentic antique look, and with court designs that are typical of that period.
● Vintage Classic Playing Cards (2017) - This deck is brand new, but looks much older than it really is, courtesy of the faux-aged look and yellowed tones. A black triangle on the edges of the cards creates beautiful fans and spreads that card flourishers will love, while each card has a unique dirty, weathered, and worn out look that will instantly grab attention.

Cardistry decks

Yes, I know we already have a For the Cardist category earlier in this list. But you didn't really think I could get away with having only three cardistry decks in this list, did you? Plus you might just need a cardistry deck for yourself as well as for the cardist in your life! There are lots to choose from, but here are some of the favourites that came out this year and have made it into my own collection.
● Off the Wall Playing Cards (2018) - This unconventional deck comes from Art of Play, and has a surf-skate theme that opts for a deliberately styled casual look, yet with a bold choice of energetic and vivid colours include a vibrant blue, orange, and yellow, along with some black. The stylish and borderless card backs are loud and dashing, but isn't that exactly what cardistry is often all about?
● Superfly Spitfire Playing Cards (2018) - Inspired by modern streetwear, fashion, and culture, this deck is the third in the Superfly series from Toomas Pintson. It has eye-catching colours with a vibrant teal-green, yellow, and black, plus a unique card back design that reminds me of a finger-print, and of course the distinctive "Superfly" branding on the cards themselves. I love the fact that each card has one pip that picks up the finger-print style design of the card backs.
● Casual V2 Playing Cards (2018) - One of the more elegant and sophisticated cardistry decks I've ever seen, the luxurious look and feel of the tuck box already impresses. The card backs have a clean geometrical design consisting of triangles and parallelograms, and use complementing tones of brown, mint green, and gold. The gold uses pantone/metallic inks for a truly elegant look, and also returns in heavy doses on the court cards. Thin crush stock completes the perfect cardistry package.

Gilded decks

Occasionally what you're looking for is something absurdly expensive and over-the-top. Something with lots of bling. Bring on the gold foil, the embossing, the iridescence, the UV spot printing, the exotic tuck case, and whatever other luxury you can think of! And especially: gilded edges. Here's a few examples of such gilded luxury.
● Unicorn Rainbow Gilded Playing Cards (2018) - This exclusive deck was created for the Magic Live! 2018 event, and is a limited edition with a tuck box that has embossed glitter, and an iridescent foil. But the best is inside the box: the cards have metallic gilded edges for a stunning and shiny iridescent/rainbow look. Unicorns don't get better than this!
● Ombre Edged Playing Cards (2017) - Unlike most gilded decks, the Ombre Edged deck doesn't feature gold or silver edges, but the gilding uses red and blue to match the card backs and courts. These colours are carefully blended together with a gradient look that makes this deck like no other, and the tuck box is cleverly designed to show off the gilding even when the deck is inside the box.
● Spirit II Gilded Playing Cards (2018) - These stunning decks have all the bells and whistles collectors love: embossed tuck boxes with foil accents, individually numbered seals, and fully customized artwork on every card, which is inspired by the mystical stained glass windows of ancient cathedrals. Gilded edges in gold and silver just add to the feel of luxury.

Standard decks

While most of us love customization, there are times where we don't want much in the way of customization, but are looking for something more ordinary, with a standard and traditional look. Decks like these will fit the bill perfectly! All of these selections are available in both red and blue backed cards.
● Honeybee Elite Playing Cards (2018) - This is a new edition of the popular Honeybee series from Penguin Magic. It has a honey-comb style borderless back design, the super-soft thin-crush stock from USPCC which handles smoothly, and has been receiving raves from card handlers world-wide.
● Arrco Playing Cards (2018) - The Arrco decks are an iconic and practical deck, with a signature back design and superb handling that made them popular with everyone who used them in the late 20th century. Now this classic and beloved deck is back in print, with the air-cushion quality and handling from Bicycle.
● Copag 310 Playing Cards (2018) - Cartamundi has been making a real splash with their new B9 True Linen finish card stock. It's slightly thicker than a normal Bicycle deck, but is amazingly soft, and handles fantastic straight out of the box. These decks have been receiving rave reviews, and with good reason! As an added bonus, you can also get popular gaff decks (e.g. Svengali deck, Stripper deck, Gaff deck) with the same Copag card-stock and designs.

Cheap decks (under $5)

Fortunately you don't have to spend a huge amount of money to get a top quality deck of playing cards. To keep things in balance after some of the more exotic decks available, it's good to know that there's a solid range of low-cost decks that are under $5, and yet are high quality playing cards. Here's a few fine examples of great decks from this budget price range, that offer something cheap without sacrificing quality. These make the ideal stuffing stocker, and there's a whole lot more available - see a complete list in the under $5 range.
● Stargazer Playing Cards (2017) - For this price, this deck can't be beat. Not only do you get a tuck box with shiny silver accents, but the cards have a stunning borderless design that creates amazing fans and spreads. The cards have an inky black background, while the artwork features bursts of light touched with purple and pink, inspired by a classical design transported to a colourful starry night sky.
● House Blend Playing Cards (2018) - Need some more caffeine in your life? The House Blend is a play on the classic Bicycle rider-back deck, with alternate coffee-inspired art on the card backs. The tuck box has novelty embossing reminiscent of a coffee filter, while the courts cards and pips have adjusted colours in shades of brown to fit the coffee theme.
● Wild West Playing Cards (2017) - At a bargain price, you can travel back in time to the Wild West, where all the familiar names are represented among the court cards, including famous names like Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Jessie James, Belle Starr, and more. This is a fully custom deck with a real wild west feel.

Best-selling decks

If a deck is very popular, it's often a strong indication of quality. After all, there must be something special about it that draws people in, whatever that magnetic quality might be. These decks have proven to be best-sellers in the past year, and it shouldn't be difficult to see why!
● Cherry Casino (Tahoe Blue) Playing Cards (2018) - The popular Cherry Casino series has a retro casino feel, and this versatile and practical deck has an immediate touch of style and class courtesy of the bold metallic ink that is used for the signature "tahoe blue" colour on the tuck case. Inspired by the clear colours of Lake Tahoe, this inviting pearlescent blue is also found on the card backs in a metallic ink, while the card faces are standard enough to make them ideal for card games or card magic. Also don't miss the newest addition to the family, Cherry Casino (Reno Red) Playing Cards.
● Memento Mori Blue Playing Cards (2018) - Created with the involvement of popular magician and youtuber Chris Ramsay, this best-selling deck has an elegant tuck box with a wrap-around design featuring the shape of Ramsay's own skull. The card backs return to this design, which gives interesting possibilities for card flourishing, and the courts are designed in a similar style. The blue version of this deck was released in 2018 and is like the original, but has a more subdued and cooler colour palette.
● Monarchs Blue Playing Cards (2012) - One of the all time most popular decks from Theory11, and even featured in the film Now You See It, this best-selling deck has a stylish navy blue tuck box laced with royal gold foil that exudes class and sophistication. The card backs and faces have a classy design that is not too complicated or distracting, and gold metallic ink emphasizes the regal feel of the court cards.
Happy shopping, and happy holidays!
Promotions for Black Friday weekend at PlayingCardDecks.com as posted by Will Roya: [source] ● Nov 22/23 - Black Friday - promo code: black18 - 25% off entire purchase plus 3 free random decks on all purchases over $100. Nov 22 5:00pm - Nov 23 11:59pm. ● Nov 24 - Small Business Saturday - Starting at 9am, over 100 items will be added to the clearance section for 24 hours only, with savings of up to 50% off. ● Nov 26 - Cyber Monday - promo code: cyber18 - 20% off entire purchase plus 1 free random deck (no minimum purchase required). Promo codes are good for one use per account and not valid on Pip Box Club or gift cards. Promo codes can not be combined with any other codes or offers. All times are in pacific coast time.
Author's note: I first published this article at PlayingCardDecks.com here.

Oklahoma City's event list.

Ongoing

• BEYOND (Factory Obscura - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Dec 21st Join the creatives behind the Oklahoma City art collective Factory Obscura for a fully-immersive, experiential art…
• Fall Festival (Kirkpatrick Family Farm - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Nov 10th Celebrate all things autumn at the Fall Festival at Orr Family Farm in Oklahoma City. Go through the maze, ride on a…
• FrightFest (Starlight Amphitheater @ Frontier City - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 28th This Halloween season, visit Frontier City in Oklahoma City for a day of thrilling rides and fun activities for the whole…
• Harvest of Fear Haunted Maize (Reding Farm - Chickasha) Thru Sat, Oct 27th For the whole month of October, Reding Farm in Chickasha will feature the Harvest of Fear Haunted Maize. Every Friday…
• Lyric Theatre - When We're Gone: World Premiere Musical (Plaza District - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 14th Start Time: 7:30pm Set in plague-ridden 14th Century London, this musical follows the life of Todd, an angsty teen whose greatest desire is…
• Newcastle Nightmare (Newcastle) Thru Sat, Oct 27th Newcastle Nightmare is a unique haunted attraction located south of Oklahoma City that puts a new twist on Halloween fun.…
• The Sanctuary (12101 N I - Oklahoma City) Thru Thu, Nov 8th Experience four stories of terror in The Sanctuary, a horrific haunted attraction in Oklahoma City. The tragic history…
• Wizarding World of Tiger Safari (Tuttle) Thru Wed, Oct 31st Harry Potter fans old and young will love the Wizarding World of Tiger Safari in Tuttle. This unique attraction invites…

Wednesday, Oct 3rd

• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Oct 5th Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more to Indian art, than pretty, stylized pictures.” This exhibition highlights this depth and the 20th century American masters who shaped it. Explore early artists such as the Kiowa Six, Tonita…
• Bi-Weekly Meetup (51st st. Speakeasy - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 5:00pm
• ♪ The Breeders (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• ♪ Dubé (89th Street Collective - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• Dungeons & Dragons (Edmond Unplugged - Edmond) Start Time: 7:00pm A City on the Edge with Ashley King No Cost Beginners and experienced players welcome Pre-made characters will be available No outside food and drink, food and drink available within the store
• ♪ Eric Gales (Life.Church - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• 🎨 'Fantasy Rewind' (The Paramount OKC - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm We are very proud to present a brand new VHS series out at The Paramount Screening Room on Film Row OKC! FANTASY REWIND will be us sharing classic science-fiction TV shows, animation, and fantasy VHS tapes! We're going hard into retro sci-fi with these shows and can't wait to bring you all along for the ride!
  The Paramount Screening Room has…
  
• Flu Shot Clinic (Edmond Senior Center - Edmond) Start Time: 9:00am Passport Health of Oklahoma and UCO Nursing Students will be here to administer flu shots. Flu Quad and high dose. You will need to bring your Medicare card or insurance card
  
• 😂 Johnny Beehner (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Oct 6th
  
• 🎡 Mike Schnelle (Will Rogers Exhibition Center - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 9:30am Mike Schnelle, Endowed Professor of Floriculture at Oklahoma State University, will be the featured speaker at the monthly Oklahoma Gardeners Association meeting on Wednesday, October 3. Join us at 9:30 am at Will Rogers Garden Exhibition Center, 3400 N.W. 36th Street. Among a myriad of other responsibilities, Dr. Schnelle works with the…
  
• 🎓 Saddlemaking (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Fri, Oct 5th Start Time: 9:00am October 2 – 5, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Classrooms A and B In conjunction with the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association’s 20th annual Exhibition & Sale, the TCAA provides a rare opportunity for four days of saddlemaking instruction by founding members Cary Schwarz and Chuck Stormes. Schwarz will cut and fit the parts and construct a…
  
• 🏆 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
  
• 🎭 UCO Dance Shadow Day (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 8:30am
  
• 🏆 Wednesday Game Night (Remington Park - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Play the games you love for jackpots and then play more games you love for Extra Cash & Prizes on Game Night at Remington Park, every Wednesday! Starting at 6pm on Wednesday nights at Remington Park, just make sure to use your Club Remington Card as you play in the casino. Doing so may get you selected via hot seat drawings to make Free Spins,…
  

Thursday, Oct 4th

• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more to Indian art, than pretty, stylized pictures.” This exhibition highlights this depth and the 20th century American masters who shaped it. Explore early artists such as the Kiowa Six, Tonita…
• ♪ The Bad Plus (Tower Theatre Studio - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• ♪ Cherokee Maidens (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• 🎨 Cowboy Crossings: 53rd Annual Exhibit and Sale (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 Start Time: 6:00pm Alexandra Cambora [email protected] via gmail.com 2:50 PM (1 hour ago) to me The Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) is returning to The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City for it’s 53rd annual show, Cowboy Crossings -- opening October 4-6, 2018. The CAA is comprised of some of the most renowned Western artists in…
• ♪ First Thursday Saints Sessions (Saints - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm First Thursday Saints Sessions highlight a Featured Artist and their hand-picked House Band the first Thursday in the Plaza District, OKC. Saints Sessions highlights Oklahoma City's top jazz artists right in the heart of OKC. The Session starts at 8pm and goes until 10, at which point the session opens up to intermediate and advanced players who…
• 🍴 Get One Free Texas Street Taco with Purchase of Any Adult Entrée (Taco Bueno - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 12:00am There’s a new way to enjoy National Taco Day at Taco Bueno. In addition to the popular Mexican brand’s delicious Crispy Tacos, Soft Tacos, and Muchacos – Taco Bueno now has a new taco variety – Texas Street Tacos. With Shredded Chicken, Carne Asada, and Pulled Pork as the three possible varieties, they’re an all-new, limited-time-only…
• 🎓 GILES SYMPOSIUM: DERRECK KAYONGO (University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma - Chickasha) Start Time: 7:30pm Ugandan entrepreneur and human rights innovator Derreck Kayongo will be the keynote speaker for the 11th annual Ray, Mary & Nita Giles Symposium for Citizenship and Public Service. The 2018 symposium will be held on Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium and is free and open to the public. An expert in environmental sustainability…
• 😂 Johnny Beehner (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Oct 6th
• ♪ Kevin Gates – Luca Brasi 3 Tour (The Criterion - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• 🎓 Managing Stress (Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center - Edmond) Start Time: 6:30pm Being stressed is uncomfortable. When you know why stress happens, you will know how to deal with it and how to antidote it. The trick is to learn the essential tools that stop stress happening. Regardless of its origins, stress drains our physical, emotional and mental energy. Several myths exist about the causes of stress and the most…
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Management Support Group (Mental Health Association Oklahoma main office - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience of witnessing of life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault in adult or childhood. Some people will have stress reactions that do not go away on their own, or may even get worse…
• 🎓 Saddlemaking (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 9:00am October 2 – 5, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Classrooms A and B In conjunction with the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association’s 20th annual Exhibition & Sale, the TCAA provides a rare opportunity for four days of saddlemaking instruction by founding members Cary Schwarz and Chuck Stormes. Schwarz will cut and fit the parts and construct a…
• Saints Sessions (Saints - Oklahoma City) Head to the Plaza District each Thursday for an evening of Saints Sessions programming. Visit Saints Pub in Oklahoma City on…
• Survivors of Suicide Support Group (Mental Health Association Oklahoma main office - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Nearly 31,000 people take their own lives each year. As a survivor – a family member or friend of the victim – you may need help coming to terms with suicide. This group offers the opportunity to share, listen, teach and learn with others also overcoming the loss of a loved one. Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at…
• Ticket to Ride: Artists, Designers, and Western Railways Exhibit (Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art - Norman) Start Time: 6:00pm
• 🎓 Moore Toastmasters (1st United Methodist Church - Moore) Start Time: 7:00pm Do you cringe at the thought of being in front of a room communicating? Maybe you have no idea how to construct your thoughts for your next business meeting?
  Come and join toastmasters and learn the art of public speaking and leadership. It is a safe and great learning environment for you to start or refine your public speaking skills. There…
  
• ♪ Yung Bleu (The Criterion - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
  

Friday, Oct 5th

• 🎓 Edmond Ambucs Friday Luncheon (University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond) Start Time: 12:00pm The Edmond Chapter Ambucs “creating mobility & independence for people with disabilities” hosts a weekly luncheon every Friday. Please join us at 12PM Noon, UCO Nigh Center, Cherokee Room. We also meet the 2nd Tues. night monthly, 5:30PM, Rock & Brews, 2737 W. Memorial Rd. for $5 burgers & FREE appetizers. More info., call (405)820-9667.
• 🎨 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 10:00am September 1 – May 12, 2019 American Indian Artists: 20th Century Masters As Lakota artist Oscar Howe wrote in 1958, “There is much more to Indian art, than pretty, stylized pictures.” This exhibition highlights this depth and the 20th century American masters who shaped it. Explore early artists such as the Kiowa Six, Tonita…
• 🏆 Central OK: University of Central Oklahoma Women's Soccer vs Lindenwood (Edmond) Start Time: 7:00pm University of Central Oklahoma Women's Soccer vs Lindenwood https://bronchosports.com/calendar.aspx?id=6016
• ♪ The Chad Todd Band (Park House - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00pm
• 🎨 Cowboy Crossings: 53rd Annual Exhibit and Sale (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 Start Time: 6:00pm Alexandra Cambora [email protected] via gmail.com 2:50 PM (1 hour ago) to me The Cowboy Artists of America (CAA) is returning to The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City for it’s 53rd annual show, Cowboy Crossings -- opening October 4-6, 2018. The CAA is comprised of some of the most renowned Western artists in…
• 🎨 Cowboy Crossings Opening Weekend (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00am In one of the most significant events to impact the fine art world, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum hosts the Opening Weekend event and sale for two outstanding exhibitions. The Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (TCAA) showcases the best of saddlemaking, bit and spur making, silversmithing, and rawhide braiding; while the Cowboy…
• Day Out with Thomas (Oklahoma Railway Museum - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 7th Start Time: 9:50am Climb aboard for fun as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs into the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City. Thomas fans are…
• Day Out with Thomas (Oklahoma Railway Museum - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 4:30pm
• 🎡 Farm After Dark (Orr Family Farm Event Barn - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm Join us after the sun goes down for even more Farm adventures. All of our fall attractions will be open and illuminated with our brand-new LED lighting and there will be glowsticks and accessories available for even more fun. Experience new thrills as you speed across the Farm on the zip line in the dark or battle the undead in the cover of…
• FCF 56 (Grand Casino Hotel & Resort - Shawnee) Watch an intense night of MMA as top fighters take to the ring, demonstrating their skilled dodges, punches and kicks in the…
• First Friday Gallery Walk (Paseo Arts District - Oklahoma City) The First Friday Gallery Walk in the Paseo Arts District occurs on the first Friday of every month. Friday night visitors…
• Guthrie Haunts (4524 Riverside Cir - Guthrie) Thru Wed, Oct 31st Visit Guthrie Haunts for a terrifying Halloween experience that's full of scary fun. This 30,000 sq ft haunted…
• 😂 Johnny Beehner (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) 1 day left
• ♪ Kevin Deal CD Release (The Blue Door - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• ♪ Megalodon & Figure (Farmer's Market - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• Navy Birthday Ball (The Criterion - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 6:00pm Navy Birthday Ball Date: 10/05/2018 Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: The Criterion 500 E. Sheridan Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73104-4205 Map to Event Add to My Calendar Enjoy a black-tie evening honoring the men and women of the U.S. Navy. 6 p.m. - Reception 7 p.m. - Dinner program The 243rd Navy Birthday Ball will be marked by special Navy…
• 😂 Open Mic Night (Don Quixote Club - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:30pm Every Friday is open mic comedy at Don Quixote's! Come see Oklahoma City's up and coming talent. If you're a comedian, sign up begins at 7:30. Show at 8. Stick around for the best karaoke in the city.
• Pumpkinville (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 21st Make your way to Pumpkinville at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City to celebrate the fall season.…
• ♪ Raina Cobb Music (Belle Isle Brewery - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 9:30pm
• 🎭 The Rocky Horror Picture Show - At The Boom - An Interactive Movie Experience (The Boom - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 8:00pm
• 🎓 Saddlemaking (Western Heritage Museum - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 9:00am October 2 – 5, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Classrooms A and B In conjunction with the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association’s 20th annual Exhibition & Sale, the TCAA provides a rare opportunity for four days of saddlemaking instruction by founding members Cary Schwarz and Chuck Stormes. Schwarz will cut and fit the parts and construct a…
• 🎡 Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day (Orr Family Farm Event Barn - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 10:00am We love our season pass holders and want to make them feel extra special! Season pass holders will get to do Zombie Apocalypse Paintball for free as well as half price zip line rides and a free bag of kettle corn! Only applicable on October 5 with season pass admission!
• ♪ Shortt Dogg (UCO Jazz Lab - Edmond) Start Time: 8:00pm First come first serve seating.
• 🏆 Sporting Clays Fun Shoot Challenge (Silverleaf Shotgun Sports LLC - Edmond) Start Time: 10:00am Individuals and teams compete in sporting clays shooting. Admission covers the cost of lunch, 50 rounds of ammunition per shooter, and a small gift. Proceeds from the event benefit Good Shepherd Clinic. Teams of 5 cost $600 and individual shooters can enter for $150.
• ♪ Terry Brown (VZD's - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 9:00pm
• Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn (El Reno) Thru Sat, Oct 27th El Reno's Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn challenges you to survive the frightening fun they have planned this…
• 🎡 Zombie Apocalypse Paintball (Orr Family Farm Event Barn - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm Enjoy this spectacular glow in the dark paintball attraction and shoot live zombies! Please visit OrrFamilyFarm.com for tickets and hours of operation. Admission includes Farm admission for the day.
• Lexington Zombie Farm (Lexington) Thru Sat, Nov 3rd Can you survive a walk through the Lexington Zombie Farm? Get ready to encounter things that go bump in the night, as well…

Saturday, Oct 6th

• 🏃 Chisholm Trail Triathlon (Lake El Reno - El Reno) The Chisholm Trail Triathlon was started with the idea in mind of having a late season race for Tri-OKC members, open participants, and the college triathletes in our region! This course will be slightly different than Route 66 Triathlon at the same venue in early June.
  https://triokc.club/esape-elreno
  
• Day Out with Thomas (Oklahoma Railway Museum - Oklahoma City) 1 day left Start Time: 9:50am Climb aboard for fun as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs into the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City. Thomas fans are…
  
• Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Oct 13th
  
• Guthrie Haunts (4524 Riverside Cir - Guthrie) Thru Wed, Oct 31st Visit Guthrie Haunts for a terrifying Halloween experience that's full of scary fun. This 30,000 sq ft haunted…
  
• 😂 Johnny Beehner (Loony Bin Comedy Club - Oklahoma City) Last Day
  
• Market in the Park, Pigs in the Park & Bluegrass Festival (Harrah Heritage Park - Harrah) The annual Market in the Park in Harrah features a wide variety of arts and crafts, delicious barbecue and great live music.…
  
• OKC Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 For a high quality gun show with great prices and selection, visit the OKC Gun Show in Oklahoma City. Held at Oklahoma State…
  
• OKC River Run (Wiley Post Park - Oklahoma City) Head out to Wiley Post Park in Oklahoma City for the OKC River Run. This 5K, 10K and half marathon, which will be held on a…
  
• 🏃 OKC River Run 5K/10K (Wiley Post Park - Oklahoma City) USATF certified 5K/10K along the smooth, paved trails of the Oklahoma River. 100% of race registration fees will go to Rett Syndrome research. Run Registration and More Details: www.RunSignUp.com/OKCRiverRun.
  http://www.RunSignUp.com/OKCRiverRun
  
• 🏃 OKC Zoo "Monarch Madness" 5K and Fun Run (Oklahoma City Zoo - Oklahoma City)
  
• Oklahoma Czech Festival (Czech Hall - Yukon) The Oklahoma Czech Festival in Yukon is the largest outdoor free festival in Oklahoma. This beloved festival promotes and…
  
• Planes, Trains & Automobiles (Shawnee Regional Airport - Shawnee) Planes, Trains & Automobiles in Shawnee is a unique event that combines everything from model trains to Wild West…
  
• Pumpkinville (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 21st Make your way to Pumpkinville at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City to celebrate the fall season.…
  
• Reik in Concert (Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City) Latin pop band Reik will bring their Des Amor Tour from Mexico to Oklahoma City as they perform on the Diamond Ballroom…
  
• Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 1 of 2 The Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show at Oklahoma State Fair Park in OKC features vendors with reptile pets,…
  
• Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn (El Reno) Thru Sat, Oct 27th El Reno's Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn challenges you to survive the frightening fun they have planned this…
  
• 🏃 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk (Mitch Park - Edmond) The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk Series was created to honor the heroic life and death of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter (FDNY) who lost his life on September 11, 2001 after strapping on his gear and running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers.
  
• Wild Individualism (Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City) Wild Individualism pays tribute to the musicians who pushed the limits and created harmonies like none ever before. Come to…
  
• Lexington Zombie Farm (Lexington) Thru Sat, Nov 3rd Can you survive a walk through the Lexington Zombie Farm? Get ready to encounter things that go bump in the night, as well…
  

Sunday, Oct 7th

• Day Out with Thomas (Oklahoma Railway Museum - Oklahoma City) Last Day Start Time: 9:50am Climb aboard for fun as Thomas the Tank Engine chugs into the Oklahoma Railway Museum in Oklahoma City. Thomas fans are…
• Doo-Wop Glam Shop Classic Car Show (Warr Acres) Head to Warr Acres this October for the fifth annual Doo-Wop Glam Shop Classic Car Show. This public car show, held in the…
• Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Oct 13th
• Groovefest (Andrews Park - Norman) Founded in 1986 by the OU Chapter for Amnesty International, Groovefest in Norman is the longest-lasting human rights music…
• Guthrie Haunts (4524 Riverside Cir - Guthrie) Thru Wed, Oct 31st Visit Guthrie Haunts for a terrifying Halloween experience that's full of scary fun. This 30,000 sq ft haunted…
• OKC Gun Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 For a high quality gun show with great prices and selection, visit the OKC Gun Show in Oklahoma City. Held at Oklahoma State…
• Pumpkinville (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 21st Make your way to Pumpkinville at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City to celebrate the fall season.…
• Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Day 2 of 2 The Repticon Reptile & Exotic Animal Show at Oklahoma State Fair Park in OKC features vendors with reptile pets,…
• Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn (El Reno) Thru Sat, Oct 27th El Reno's Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn challenges you to survive the frightening fun they have planned this…
• Lexington Zombie Farm (Lexington) Thru Sat, Nov 3rd Can you survive a walk through the Lexington Zombie Farm? Get ready to encounter things that go bump in the night, as well…

Monday, Oct 8th

• Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Oct 13th
• Guthrie Haunts (4524 Riverside Cir - Guthrie) Thru Wed, Oct 31st Visit Guthrie Haunts for a terrifying Halloween experience that's full of scary fun. This 30,000 sq ft haunted…
• Pumpkinville (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 21st Make your way to Pumpkinville at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City to celebrate the fall season.…
• Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn (El Reno) Thru Sat, Oct 27th El Reno's Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn challenges you to survive the frightening fun they have planned this…
• Lexington Zombie Farm (Lexington) Thru Sat, Nov 3rd Can you survive a walk through the Lexington Zombie Farm? Get ready to encounter things that go bump in the night, as well…

Tuesday, Oct 9th

• Food Truck Tuesdays (Jackson - Blanchard) Every week, treat your taste buds to new flavors. During Food Truck Tuesdays, a different food truck will park in Blanchard…
• Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show (Oklahoma State Fair Park - Oklahoma City) Thru Sat, Oct 13th
• Guthrie Haunts (4524 Riverside Cir - Guthrie) Thru Wed, Oct 31st Visit Guthrie Haunts for a terrifying Halloween experience that's full of scary fun. This 30,000 sq ft haunted…
• Pumpkinville (Myriad Botanical Gardens - Oklahoma City) Thru Sun, Oct 21st Make your way to Pumpkinville at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City to celebrate the fall season.…
• 🏆 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Chesapeake Energy Arena - Oklahoma City) Start Time: 7:00pm
• Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn (El Reno) Thru Sat, Oct 27th El Reno's Trail of Terror & Haunted Barn challenges you to survive the frightening fun they have planned this…
• Lexington Zombie Farm (Lexington) Thru Sat, Nov 3rd Can you survive a walk through the Lexington Zombie Farm? Get ready to encounter things that go bump in the night, as well…

See Also

• OK Gamers
• Techlahoma